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Call for journalists for 2017 We are Alps tour

07.04.2017

The Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention invites interested journalists on a crossing of the Alps in early summer, with the aim of raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities of the region and about the Alpine Convention as a toolbox for the balanced development of a territory shared by eight countries. The tour will show the characteristics, features, opportunities and common issues that Alpine inhabitants are facing. This year’s focus will be on the topic of “Water in the Alps”. 

The small group of journalists will be taken for a week-long excursion across the Alps, using sustainable means of transport that are alternative to private cars; trains, buses, boats and bicycles will be used, and a part of the tour will be done on foot. Throughout the tour, the group will meet various people from the Alps – experts, civil society representatives, business people, workers, farmers and government officials, among others. Hence, the name of the crossing: “We are Alps”.

The tour will take place between 25 June – 2 July 2017 on a route linking Vienna, Austria, and Monaco. There will be various activities on the topic of Water in the Alps, from drinking water to water sports and spa, from water ecology to irrigation, hydroelectricity and more, also highlighting the issues of natural disasters and climate change. The group will experience various rivers and lakes in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, with a finish by the sea in Monaco. The participants will also have the opportunity to meet the actors of flagship projects contributing to innovative water management. 

Participants in the 2017 tour will be identified through this “Call for Interest", which is open to journalists, particularly from the Alpine countries. A balanced participation from all Alpine countries will be sought. Participants should prove professional interest in Alpine and water-related topics and be in good physical condition. Since the tour will be carried out in English language, a sufficient proficiency in English is needed. 

The Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention will select approximately 12 participants for the 2017 edition based on their articles, professional experience and connections to the mountains and water topics. 

To apply, please fill out the application form and waiver and send them to [email protected] together with an example of your articles/broadcasts before 30 April 2017. Selected journalists will be notified by mid-May. 

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Photo: Facebook/We are Alps