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.