Protocol for the Implementation of the 1991 Alpine Convention on Soil Protection

Title (French)

Protocol d'application de la Convention alpine de 1991 dans le domaine de la protection des sols

Title (Other)

Protokoll zur Durchführung der Alpenkonvention von 1991 im Bereich Bodenschutz

Place of adoption

Bled

Depository

Austria

Language

French, German, Italian, Slovenian

Entry into force

Dec 18, 2002

Subject

Land & soil

Keyword

Data collection/reporting Survey/mapping Wetlands Enforcement/compliance Agro-forestry Inventory Sustainable development Erosion Research Subsidy/incentive Sustainable use EIA Water supply Tourism Exploration Mountain area Education Protected area Soil pollution/quality Local government Freshwater quality/freshwater pollution Soil rehabilitation Waste disposal Soil conservation/soil improvement Monitoring Land-use planning International relations/cooperation

Geographical area

Alps

Abstract

Objective: To preserve soils in all their functions.

Summary of provisions: The Prevention Principle is highlighted as particularly important for the implementation of this Protocol (art. 1.5). Article 2 specifies the fundamental obligations of the Parties. Inter alia, Contracting Parties undertake to take legal and administrative measures to ensure the protection of soils in alpine areas (art. 2.1). In case of serious and persistent risk for the soils' ability to function, protection must generally prime over utilisation (art. 2.2). Parties agree to take into account the objectives of this Protocol in their other policies (art. 3) and to support a reinforced international co-operation among the competent institutions (art. 5).

Chapter II focuses on specific measures relating, inter alia, to the economical and cautious use of soils (art.7), economical use and extraction of raw material (art. 8), preservation of soils in humid areas and peat bogs (art. 9), determination and processing of risk areas (art. 10) and of areas threatened by erosion (art. 11), impacts of tourism (art. 14), limitation of polluting inputs (art. 15).

Under Chapter III, Contracting Parties commit to harmonising research and systematic collaboration to meet the objectives of the Protocol (art. 19). They further agree to organise databases with comparable input (art. 20).

Institutional mechanisms: Contracting Parties regularly submit reports to the Permanent Committee of the Convention regarding the measures undertaken to implement this Protocol, including their effectiveness (art. 24.1). The Permanent Committee examines the reports to check that Parties have fulfilled their obligations; the Committee may request additional information or resort to other information sources (art. 24.2). It reports on the Parties' respect of their obligation to the Alpine Conference (art 24.3). If the Conference notes a breach of the obligations, it may adopt recommendations (art 24.4). Contracting Parties regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the Protocol's provisions and consider revisions if needed (art. 25.1). Non governmental organisations active in this field may be consulted (art. 25.2)

(Source: IUCN ELC, 08.2005)

Link to abstract

tre001289.rtf

Full text

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Website

www.alpconv.org

* [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature

References - Treaties

Enabled by

Convention concerning the Protection of the Alps

Treaty | Multilateral | Salzburg | Nov 7, 1991

Keyword: Land-use planning, Mountain area, International agreement-text, Agricultural land, Polluter pays principle, National parks, Air quality/air pollution, Energy conservation/energy production, Ecosystem preservation, Soil conservation/soil improvement, Monitoring, Forest management/forest conservation, International relations/cooperation, Management/conservation, Local government, Biodiversity, Tourism, Protected area, Data collection/reporting, Sustainable development, Freshwater quality/freshwater pollution, Research, Waste management

Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-001126)