CLEANALP

Plastic pollution is typically associated with the sea and cities, and very little investigation has been carried out in mountainous areas. It is generally believed that these areas are exempt. This is a misconception. Based on experiences gained in every habitat on the planet, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, we thought it was time to take systematic action in the Alps, which have already been severely impacted by climate change. This is how CLEANALP was designed and promoted after the success of the “Stop The Alps Becoming Plastic Mountains” project, which, among other things, resulted in significant research on microplastics in the snow and the collection of an average of half  kilogram of plastic waste for every kilometer of the approximately 200 kilometers of high mountain trails monitored.

Funded by The North Face Explore Fund and coordinated by the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), CLEANALP aims to preserve the alpine habitat at low, medium, and high altitudes. The project, which began in March 2022 and will continue until July 2023, is developing a broad range of actions:

• 40 cleaning actions, involving at least 500 people on more than 500 kilometers of trails.

• Training for stakeholders and volunteers (around 200 people).

• School activities (300 students).

• Public events and workshops (1,000 people involved, both in-person and online).

• Production of informative materials and communication activities.

The project operates in some of the most magnificent Alpine destinations, from the Maritime Alps Park in Val Tanaro to the Gran Paradiso National Park in Valgrande, setting against breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary flora and fauna of exceptional value.

Social media – Facebook: www.facebook.com/CleanAlps Instagram: @progettocleanalp

For more information :Franco Borgogno – b.franco@eri.net.in