Convention on the Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention)

This proposal for a decision related to the conclusion of the Convention on the protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention) by the Community. This Convention, signed in Salzburg (Austria) on 7 November 1991 by six countries including three Member States of the Community (Germany, France and Italy), was also signed by the Community itself. It set out a series of general obligations with regard to finding solutions to the problems involved in the preservation and protection of the Alpine eco-system to ensure the sustainable development of Alpine regions. The Convention was only a general framework and should be supplemented by the introduction and adoption of protocols that were being drawn up, particularly in the following areas: - conservation of nature and the countryside, - mountain farming, - mountain forestry, - transport, - energy, - tourism and recreation, - regional planning, - soil conservation. The Council authorised the signing of the Convention on 4 November 1991. The Commission hoped that the Community and the signatory Member States to the Convention were prepared to complete their procedures to ratify and accept this Convention and thus put forward this proposal for a decision. �