fr.euronews.com
Alpine Regions Adapt to Declining Snow with BeyondSnow Project
The European project BeyondSnow helps 10 alpine communities adapt to dwindling snow by developing sustainable tourism strategies and alternative economic options, as ski tourism in areas like Bohinj, Slovenia, declines significantly.
- What are the immediate economic consequences of declining snow levels in alpine tourist destinations like Bohinj?
- "In Bohinj, Slovenia, ski tourism has dropped from 35% of all visitors 10-15 years ago to 18-20% today, forcing a shift towards summer tourism which currently attracts 250,000 yearly visitors. The European project BeyondSnow aims to help alpine regions adapt to this change by providing data and tools for developing alternative strategies.",
- How does the BeyondSnow project address the social and environmental challenges posed by climate change in alpine communities?
- "The decline in snow is causing economic hardship and rural exodus in alpine regions, exemplified by the situation in Pradibosco, Italy, where young people are leaving due to lack of job prospects. The BeyondSnow project addresses this by encouraging the development of local potential and sustainable alternatives, such as hiking and cycling trails, to maintain habitability and attract tourists.",
- What are the long-term implications of the BeyondSnow project for regional policies and sustainable tourism development in the Alps?
- "BeyondSnow's digital tool, to be released soon, will assess climate change resilience and offer sustainable alternatives for alpine regions. This initiative aims not only to support local communities but also to influence regional policies towards sustainable tourism and development, ensuring the long-term viability of these areas.",
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely balanced, presenting the concerns of tourism professionals alongside the broader impacts of climate change. However, the headline question "Comment anticiper la fin de 'l'or blanc' ?" (How to anticipate the end of 'white gold'?) sets a somewhat dramatic tone, emphasizing the potential loss of ski tourism.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive, avoiding overtly charged terms. The use of quotes from stakeholders adds credibility. However, terms like 'l'or blanc' (white gold) are potentially loaded, implying a significant loss of value.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the challenges faced by Bohinj and other alpine regions due to decreasing snowfall, but it could benefit from including diverse perspectives, such as those of larger resorts or regions less affected by climate change. It also doesn't mention potential negative impacts of increased summer tourism on the environment.
False Dichotomy
The article implicitly presents a false dichotomy between ski tourism and alternative forms of tourism. While it highlights the need for diversification, it doesn't fully explore potential conflicts or synergies between these sectors.
Gender Bias
The article features both male and female voices, giving relatively balanced representation in terms of gender. However, there could be more explicit exploration of gender roles within the affected communities and the impact of economic changes on women.
Sustainable Development Goals
The BeyondSnow project directly addresses the challenges of climate change impacts on mountain communities, focusing on sustainable tourism development and diversification of local economies to ensure the long-term viability of these areas. The project helps communities adapt to reduced snow cover by developing alternative tourism activities and strengthening local economies, thus contributing to sustainable urban and rural development in mountain regions. The project's focus on community involvement and the development of sustainable strategies aligns with the principles of sustainable urban development.