Less the tourists than the locals would have to catch up with the rules on the mountain pasture. That was one of the findings of the mountain pasture summit. More information should now be provided.
Ten million people were traveling in the mountains last year, including around 2.5 million hikers. One can assume that there will be more this year. This is a pleasure for the tourism experts and even the representatives of the alpine pasture. However, this makes it necessary to remember certain rules of conduct, which are often described with the words respect and common sense, as was assured yesterday, Tuesday, at the first Alm summit.
Minister of Agriculture Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP) had invited representatives of alpine farming, tourism and alpine associations to a “virtual” alpine summit, to which industry members could join online. “Since the cow judgment (after an accident in which a woman was killed, note) last year, many discussions have taken place for the first time, in which tourists, farmers and alpine associations have met at eye level. I found that very positive, ”said Josef Obweger, alpine farmer and chairman of the Carinthian Almwirtschaftsverein. (As a reminder: A change in the law was made in the previous year, in which the guest’s personal responsibility in the event of accidents with cows was laid down).
In general, the good atmosphere at the summit was praised and the fact that everyone had the same goals was emphasized. Namely, that more people like to come to the mountain pastures, but should leave them safely and healthy.
Over-tourism in the mountains
For this reason, ten rules of conduct have been drawn up and will be passed on to visitors on folders, signs and on the website www.sichere-almen.at. The representatives of the alpine pasture and the tourism experts agreed that the overnight guests would usually abide by the rules of the game anyway. They are mostly informed by the accommodation providers.
“What I took with me from the summit and what I wasn’t aware of beforehand is that many locals do not abide by the rules,” said Köstinger at a subsequent press conference. That is why they want to get in touch with mayors or regional newspapers. Overall, an information campaign is to be started in which the rules of the game (distance from cows, caution with dogs, no garbage, no hiking trails, etc.) are remembered.
After all, Corona has increased the number of hikers and other people looking for relaxation. What you know from cities in normal times, namely over-tourism, has shifted to the alpine regions at critical points, says Köstinger. In some regions, visitor guidance systems are already used.
And the cyclists are also becoming more. The Carinthian Almwirt Obweger, like Thomas Wirnsberger from the Grossarl Tourist Association, believes that “the number of cyclists on alpine pastures has doubled in recent years.” There is more conflict potential among day guests from the region or locals. ”But they also have to accept that they are only guests on an alien, private property on the mountain pasture.
Erich Schwärzler, federal chairman of alpine farming in Austria and also alpine farmer, appeals to also move hiking trails if necessary, for example if they lead through a cow pasture. “It must be possible to move the paths. When it comes to security, there has to be a clear decision for security. ”
New seal for Alm products
The garbage problem in the mountains should also be tackled in the future. The same applies to the marketing of culinary alpine products such as milk, milk products and meat. For this, the new seal of approval “Von der Alm” was highlighted. Whereby tourism experts Wirnsberer notes: If only those products that actually come from the Alm could be called that, you would not need a seal of approval.
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