There’s lots going on in KLAR!
Global climate change is accelerating. No reason for St. Anton am Arlberg to remain in the observer’s role. As a KLAR! model region, the communities of Stanzertal and the tourism association are working together to adapt to climate change - and with initial success.
The Climate Change Adaptation Model Regions (KLAR!) funding programme of the Climate and Energy Fund and Ministry of the Environment aims to combat global climate change at a regional level, assess any risks and make use of the opportunities that arise.And it was precisely this that attracted the Stanzertal decision-makers, in continuation of a long tradition, to actively influence their own future. So, in spring 2021, the application for the first of the three KLAR! phases was submitted and approved. ”This phase was mainly about anchoring the topic of climate change in the minds of residents, employees and guests,“ explains Gerhard Eichhorn, Deputy Director of St. Anton am Arlberg Tourist Association. Workshops and exhibitions raised awareness of the changes in the region and provided information on possible steps to counteract them. Thanks to projects in the region's primary and secondary schools, even the youngest children were involved in a creative way.
From awareness to action
St. Anton am Arlberg had already actively approached the issue of sustainability. In spring 2022, the KLAR! model region Stanzertal received the official ”green light“ for the second phase. Using ideas from the local population, twelve practical projects are being continuously implemented until 2024. ”Among other things, we are expanding e-mobility in the region, training our hiking guides on the effects of climate change on our forests, establishing an e-bike tour and three family-friendly themed hiking trails on the topic of sustainability,“ Eichhorn reports. Local measures such as the renaturation of the pond at the Nessleralm and tree sponsorships by young people to preserve dying tree species are also on the programme. The underlying principle of all activities is optimism, as Eichhorn explains: ”Certain side effects of climate change must also be used by us, for example, by positioning ourselves as an attractive summer destination for heat-plagued guests, building on comparatively snow-sure winters in our region and continuing to keep the quality of life high for locals.“
Fact Box
KLAR! Region Arlberg Stanzertal
Participating municipalities:
St. Anton am Arlberg,
Pettneu am Arlberg,
Flirsch, Strengen
Total area: 276.84 km²
permanent settlement area thereof: 5.2 %
Residents:
6,210 in total,
2,387 in St. Anton am Arlberg,
1,491 in Pettneu am Arlberg/Schnann,
1,010 in Flirsch, 1,322 in Strengen
”Every change, including climate change, consists of both risk and opportunity. We try to minimise the risks and make the best possible use of opportunities resulting from climate change and thus act responsibly and sustainably.“
Gerhard Eichhorn, Deputy Director of St. Anton am Arlberg Tourist Board
