Within the framework of the Territorial Agenda 2030, there are nine pilot actions aiming at implementing climate measures in Alpine towns. These pilot actions under the name “Climate action in Alpine towns” will help the participating Alpine towns to adapt to climate change and to mitigate its consequences. One of these nine pilot actions takes place in Idrija, Slovenia.
As a former mining town Idrija is confronted with an infrastructure that has left large marks on the environment. Therefore, the aim of this pilot action lies on greening the landscape. To pursue this objective Idrija needs a large group of motivated people. So far, an action week was organised and carried out together. The municipality plans a second edition for this summer. Furthermore, a greening handbook was drafted and a three-day workshop conducted. Attention is paid that, as many people as possible can contribute to the sustainable development of Idrija. Up to now students, musicians, architects, and the museum association have been involved. In general, the community is very interested in what is happening and happy that something is underway.
The biggest challenge remains in educating the people. As Idrija is located in the middle of a green landscape, it is sometimes forgotten that green infrastructure is also required within the city. Some people for example think that there is no need for trees or other biodiversity measures. In this context, it is also important to implement organisational changes such as adapting the municipal spatial plan.
Achieving these objectives should contribute to making Idrija a liveable town with a high quality of life for everyone. The cultural attractive, diverse urban centre shall keep young people in the area and reduce migration to peripheral places. For more insights on what challenges Alpine towns face and how they could look like in the future, you can have a look at the 9th Report on the State of the Alps “Alpine towns”, which will be published in autumn.
