Karwendel Nature Park

Hermann Sonntag: The protected area in its original form has existed since 1928, the nature park in its current structure has existed since 2008. The founding of the supporting association with all municipalities, tourism associations and landowners has already resulted in a new quality of cooperation and it has been possible to develop a largely common image for the Karwendel Nature Park. Our tasks are well represented in the 5-pillar model "Nature Conservation", "Tourism & Recreation", "Environmental Education", "Knowledge & Research" and "Regional Development". We have set ourselves goals within the framework of these thematic priorities and try to implement them together with regional stakeholders and numerous other partners. We now have partnerships with more than 100 institutions. These range from species conservation projects in the forest, alpine pasture maintenance with volunteers, development of visitor centers and themed trails, visitor guidance to nature park schools and research projects with universities.

Hermann Sonntag: The tourism associations are full members and therefore an essential part of the nature park. They are also involved in the association as part of their board activities. In the region itself, we have developed numerous offers for guests and locals, are involved in visitor management and have built a joint information center - for example in Scharnitz - which is now operated by the tourism association. Cooperation has intensified and improved significantly over the last 12 years. There are also numerous collaborations with the huts, Alpine clubs and other local tourism providers. In my opinion, one particularly successful project is the "Karwendel Höhenweg". It didn't require any new paths or infrastructure, but only a mental merger and many, many discussions.

Hermann Sonntag: The areas of tension are certainly the classic negative side effects of mass tourism. There are a few places here where the recreational value is simply spoiled by too many people and cars. A lot has already been achieved in some places, but there is still a lot more to be done - especially by local tourism providers. The tourism regions themselves are often already "much further ahead" in this respect. A good example of this is the current mindfulness campaign of the TVB Achensee. In my opinion, it would have been unthinkable 10 years ago for a tourism association to do something like this. Overall, the issue of visitor guidance will become even more important in the future because the megatrend "back to nature" will certainly not slow down any time soon and it is totally understandable in principle that people want to be outdoors. However, it is important that visitors have a minimum level of understanding for the sensitivity of the Alpine region. We should feel like guests in the nature park and know that many others live here too!