Abstract ID: 3.13712 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

The Alpine regions, often hailed as the Water Towers of Europe, are confronting unprecedented challenges as climate change accelerates glacier retreat. At the International Mountain Conference in Innsbruck, this presentation will examine innovative strategies emerging in Alpine protected areas, integrating compelling visual narratives from the Water Towers photocontest organized by Onewater and UNESCO’s World Water Assessment Programme. Through thousands of submissions, contest entries capture the stark realities of glacier loss—from mountaineers documenting the diminishing ice masses to local communities championing urgent conservation initiatives. Among the adaptation measures featured is the use of protective sheets—reflective geotextiles applied strategically on vulnerable ice surfaces—to significantly reduce seasonal ice loss. This intervention, supported by rigorous scientific monitoring, stands as a testament to tangible, adaptive action in the face of environmental change. The presentation will also draw on insights from the Alpine Rivers Symposium organized by Onewater in 2024, an event that convened experts to discuss sustainable water management across the Alpine region and set the stage for continued collaborative dialogue and long-term planning. By weaving together vivid imagery, firsthand testimonies, and actionable conservation strategies, this session aims to spark meaningful discussions on policy innovations, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. Furthermore, it will explore the socio-economic implications of environmental change, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that unite local stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers in crafting resilient and forward-thinking solutions to safeguard the Alpine landscape before its invaluable water resources run dry.