Alta Badia - Moving More Towards Sustainability
Acting environmentally friendly and contributing positively to nature is part of a philosophy that is increasingly shared and practised by many people. By involving tour operators, institutions, locals and the numerous guests visiting the valley in the heart of the Dolomites a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alta Badia is constantly committed to achieving a common goal: Preserving what we are given by nature. And this, without having to forego anything important: Enjoying unforgettable, emotion-filled experiences.
The awareness that everyone has to contribute to this is great. As a result, the "Alta Badia Climate Positive" project has been launched, which in its first stage aims to calculate the overall impact that CO2 has on the area. Based on this data, the cornerstone of the initiative, it will be possible to identify the existing situation and develop a targeted strategy to reduce and offset CO2 emissions – the main source of global pollution. For the implementation of this project, members of all tourism categories were involved in order to obtain a sample of at least 150 forms for 40 different types of tour operators and other relevant categories. Each participant was asked to provide different data (e.g. data on energy consumption, type of energy supply and daily habits) in order to obtain a statistically valid and realistic calculation which becomes the basis for the development of all future sustainability strategies.
What can specifically be done to support the area and experience unforgettable moments and holidays? One way is to reach the Dolomites by reducing emissions. Others include using bicycles, limiting water consumption – after all, Alta Badia offers countless sources of drinking water of excellent quality – or reducing waste production and following a careful waste separation policy.
IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABILITY: INITIATIVES & EVENTS IN SUMMER 2022
GREEN MOBILITY
In terms of environmental protection, it is crucial to address the reduction of traffic-related CO2 emissions. In this context, the summer opening of the lifts should also be included, which represents a further possibility to travel in a sustainable way and allows to experience the mountains without a car. With the opening of the Borest cable car in summer 2022, this service will be further expanded – the ideal way to move car-free between Corvara and Colfosco as well. From the Colfosco cable car station, it is possible to proceed with the lifts in the direction of the valley called Valle Stella Alpina or with the Plans-Frara-lift to the Gardena pass, while the La Fraina and Bamby chairlifts connect the villages of La Villa and San Cassiano on the Piz Sorega and Piz La Ila plateaus.
Between June 11 and October 2, 2022, a total of 19 lifts will be available and can be used with the Alta Badia Summer Card, thus becoming an efficient tool for mobility. In this way it is possible to move freely in the area and enjoy all its diversity and beauty in a sustainable way.
The collaboration with Moovit provides all the necessary information to experience Alta Badia with the lifts and public transport. The app is available both as a download for mobile devices and for consultation via PC.
Stop, yet with pleasure!: In Alta Badia even your car enjoys a holiday
The campaign “Stop, yet with pleasure!” aims to encourage holiday guests in Alta Badia to explore the area without using their car. The idea: tourists who hand in the car key at the reception of their accommodation facility upon arrival and leave the car parked for two days during a minimum stay of three nights (or four days, for a minimum stay of six nights) receive a benefit card that offers interesting discounts on various services, such as: the use of taxis, the participation in excursions and events organised by the tourist offices in Alta Badia or the access to the biotope lake in Corvara and the Adventure Park in Colfosco. To complete the initiative, the participants will also receive a delightful surprise when the keys are handed over at the time of departure. The less cars drive on the roads of the Dolomites, the greater our contribution to the protection of the environment.
E-bike sharing at 2,000 m altitude: one further element of the sustainable mobility project
E-bike sharing not only enables to easily cycle from one place to another and thus explore the most beautiful corners of this area, but also to reach the three Movimënt parks at an altitude of 2,000 m. The electric bikes, thanks to pedal assist, offer the opportunity to cycle without much effort – an outdoor activity that thus invites less active people to enjoy the landscape of the Dolomites to the full. The pick-up and drop-off stations for the bikes are located at the mountain stations of the Col Alto, Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega cable cars. Those interested in the latest e-bike model can also rent one at the local sports shops and bike rentals.
WOWNATURE ALTA BADIA: REFORESTATION PROJECT FOR THE VAIA DAMAGED AREA
Late October 2018: Storm Vaia has massively devastated the woods in Alta Badia and left a profound wound in the heart of the mountains by destroying centuries-old forests. Thanks to the project "WOWnature Alta Badia" it is now possible to help to stop the climate crisis. In collaboration with Etifor (a spin-off of the University of Padova and initiator of WOWnature), the venue and large-scale event for cyclists “Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel” have supported the reforestation of one of the affected forests covering an area of 12 hectares on the Campolongo pass. Currently, the forest is protected and enhanced by the development of new projects such as “Food Forest” and “Forest Bathing”.
As part of the Green Deal plan, the European Union is committed to planting 3 billion trees within 2030. The "3 Billion Trees" initiative aims to stop the progress of climate change, increase the resilience of forests and reverse the loss of biodiversity. Among the organisations selected as part of the "3 Billion Trees" campaign is Etifor with the WOWnature initiative. A project in which Alta Badia is involved as a partner. www.altabadia.org/wownature<http://www.altabadia.org/wownature>
FOOD FOREST & FOREST BATHING: ENJOY NATURE IN TOTAL RELAXATION
Food Forests, also known as edible forests or forest gardens, are multifunctional cultivation systems consisting of trees, plants, medicinal and aromatic herbs, berries and other forest fruits. It is a food production system that continuously binds CO2, promotes biodiversity in the Alps and increases soil fertility.
Together with Etifor, spin-off of the University of Padova, Alta Badia identified the Masisti forest at the Campolongo mountain pass as the ideal place for the creation of a Food Forest. Thanks to the project "WOWnature Alta Badia", the reforestation of the forest was started a year ago as it was massively damaged by the storm Vaia. The forest (which can be visited throughout the summer) offers a unique biodiversity and tasty surprises such as blueberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, juniper berries, elderberries and many other berries and fruits.
The Masisti forest invites you to hikes or to guided tours with Andrea Irsara where you can discover the natural diversity of Mother Nature (scheduled for July 6). The paths are equipped with information boards that will introduce those interested to the secrets of the forest. It is an intense experience that allows you to recharge your batteries for the challenges of everyday life and to feel in touch with nature. Moreover, in the course of the tour, some secrets about the use of herbs and fruits in the Ladin cuisine will also be revealed.
The Japanese concept of "forest bathing" also contributes to the enhancement of the forest. The concept aims to experience the forest in a way that benefits both body and mind. Together with Etifor, a very powerful detox experience has been designed, which can be practised every day either by oneself or as part of organised events in the dense pine and larch forest near La Val - far from all noise, with a sense of serenity and a strong feeling of well-being. The dates are set for July 25, August 22 and September 12.
ALTA BADIA ECO-HIKER: GENTLE HIKING, SUPPORTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The goal of "Alta Badia Eco-Hiker" is to sensitise hikers about environmental protection and the very fragile ecosystem of the Dolomites, because far too often waste and rubbish are scattered in nature. During the Alta Badia Eco-Hiker appointments, which will be held again in summer 2022, hikers will be given the opportunity to actively engage with nature: Accompanied by a local expert, participants will be equipped with gloves, tools, bio-bags and more to pick up the waste they find along their path across meadows and woods and take it back to the valley. The dates are set for 20 June, July 4 and 18, August 8 and 29, and September 19. As the number of participants is restricted, it is necessary to register in advance for the chosen date by contacting the tourist offices of Alta Badia.
