YPAC 2024

March 11^thto 15^thin Kamnik/Sl

General topic: Protected Natural Areas

Each Alpine country has its own laws, regulations, and strategies for protecting natural areas, which can lead to different definitions and classifications. In general, Alpine countries are committed to protecting their natural treasures, including national parks, reserves, natural monuments, and other areas with limited human intervention in nature. For more detailed information on specific definitions in individual Alpine countries, it would be necessary to examine the legislation and guidelines of each country.

Subtopics (allocated to four committees)

Committee 1: Biodiversity

Main questions to be considered:

To what extent do human activities affect biodiversity in protected areas?
How is climate change affecting biodiversity in protected areas? How are fauna and flora adapting to climate change? Can we find some evidence of adaptation? Are there any differences across species and their ability to adapt to climate change? How can endangered species be preserved in the long term (i.e. Tetrao urogallus)?
How can the introduction and spreading of invasive species and their impact on biodiversity be prevented?
Biodiversity conservation education in schools' curricula: Are students provided with sufficient knowledge on biodiversity and its role for the planet and humankind? How well are students informed about the consequences of the rapid biodiversity loss and of actions that can be taken in order to reverse the trends? Would a more hands-on and interdisciplinary approach be required for students’ holistic comprehension of the topic?

Committee 2: Quality of life

Main questions to be considered:

How can nature preservation/conservation and quality of life be balanced for local communities in protected areas?
How can young people be made aware of work opportunities in protected areas so they can contribute to a better demographic situation and to the sustainable development of said areas (see e.g. the project https://youth-at-the-top.org/sl/projekt/predstavitev#what)?
Tourism is a driving force behind the economy in the Alpine Regions. What types of tourism are suitable for protected areas?
To what extent do law restrictions concerning housing and infrastructure have an effect on the quality of life?

Committee 3: Climate change

Main questions to be considered:

What are the short-term effects of climate change in protected natural areas seen today?
What long-term issues are we likely to face in said areas because of climate change?
Which measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change in the protected areas and how can we better adapt to them?
In recent years, devastating climate-related natural disasters have become more frequent, and protected areas are no exception. Is there sufficient management to prevent damage on a larger scale? Is rehabilitation implemented in time to prevent collateral damage (for instance, greater bark beetle related tree mortality after a blowdown)? What role do the local communities play?

Committee 4: Cultural heritage

Main questions to be considered:

To what extent is cultural heritage preservation of vital importance for protected natural areas?
How do we face the challenge of abandoned cultural heritage as a result of emigration, crafts and manufacture phasing out and population ageing?
Through millennia of coexistence, human encroachment has created a distinctive cultural landscape. Why and to what extent is it important to preserve its features?
What educational potential is there in merging cultural heritage with protected areas? How do educational offerings play their role in raising awareness?