The Alps are particularly affected by demographic trends. So far, specific challenges and suitable adaptation measures for coping with these changes have been addressed insufficiently. Thus, the Alpine Space Programme has invited experts from France, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Austria, but also from the European Commission in Brussels to an expert forum in Innsbruck, Austria. On 22 and 23 February 2011 they will convene on “Coping with Demographic Change – Shaping Policies” in order to achieve the following: Bringing together different dimensions of demographic change in the Alpine Space, pinpointing socio-geographic challenges caused by demographic trends in the Alps, discussing suitable and innovative adaptation strategies for planning and implementation as well as new policy concepts. The forum will also promote successful projects and initiatives and encourage complementary action.
As a first step, experts will provide key insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Alpine regions or communities. They will focus on three dimensions of demographic change: Economic Centres and Peripheries, Migration and Integration as well as Public Services and Civil Engagement. This analysis will be followed by workshops, where practitioners in regional and local development meet with experts engaged in projects dealing with possible solutions. The forum–s results will also be considered for the next call by the EU Alpine Space Programme scheduled for the end of October 2011.
This forum is the second in a series of three thematic events. It is hosted by the Federal Chancellery of Austria and the Land Tirol in cooperation with Italy. The detailed agenda of the Innsbruck Forum as well as a short documentation of the first forum which was held in 2010 on “climate change”, can be found here: http://www.alpine-space.eu/ – This site also provides information on running projects related to demographic change, such as “Demochange”, a project involving 13 partners from five Alpine countries.
Copyright picture: Sanja Gjenero – www.sxc.hu/txt/license.html