Volltext: The Transport Protocol of the Alpine Convention: Added Value to the Transport Policy of the European Community?

2 
"Convinced of the need for economic interests 
to be reconciled with ecological requirements" 1 
1. Introduction 
The Alps "are one of the largest continuous unspoilt natural areas in Europe, which, 
with their outstanding unique and diverse natural habitat, culture and history, constitute 
an economic, cultural, recreational and living environment in the heart of Europe, 
shared by numerous peoples and countries" 2 . 
At the same time, the Alps are located in between different centres of economic activity 
in Europe, acting as natural barrier for communication between the Mediterranean 
world and the regions in Northern and Eastern Europe. 
In order to cross the Alps, traffic is forced to use a limited number of routes, mostly 
through narrow valleys or along coasts. These are also the places where population is 
the most dense. Since the big economic centres are located outside the Alps, the flows 
of traffic are to a large extent governed by economic needs of regions outside the 
mountains. 
In mountainous areas, traffic has an increased environmental impact compared to other 
regions. The same traffic load, for example, contributes to a three-times higher 
concentration of No x in the ambient air than in lowland areas 3 . Due to the amphitheatre 
shape of the valleys, evasion is impossible: this holds true for noise, pollutants and the 
population concerned. 
In a recent study analysing the influences of road freight transport on the environment 
in mountainous areas, the European Environment Agency explains: 
1 Para 6 of the preamble to the Alpine Convention. 
2 1 st para of the preamble to the Alpine Convention. 
3 R. Molitor. A. Kàfer and O. Thaller. Road freight transport and the environment in mountainous 
areas. Case studies in the Alpine Region and the Pyrenees. European Environment Agency Technical 
report No 68. Copenhagen. 2001. p.5.
	        

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