Alpine Rivers Symposium 2024

Background: The Alps, Europe’s water tower, contain an estimated 40% of the continent’s freshwater. Thousands of streams, brooks and rivers that originate in the Alps have formed the basis of a traditional cultural landscape and unique biodiversity for centuries. The more than 1000 hydroelectric power stations in the Alpine region provide electricity for millions of people and - next to tour- ism - are often the basis for trade, agriculture and industry. .

However, the Alps and their watercourses are changing rapidly. In the next few decades, it is predicted that 90% of the Alpine glaciers will melt completely. The snow and meltwater that is missing from the rivers is also missing from nature and us humans. Flora and fauna around rivers will change together with traditional cultural landscapes. This has an impact on the economy, especially tourism, electricity production, agriculture, for example in the Italian Po basin, and European inland navigation on the Rhine, Rhone and Danube.

Against this background, the first Alpine River Symposium focuses on the Al- pine landscape in a broader sense and poses the following questions: What does a healthy Alpine river actually look like? How will Alpine rivers change in the coming years and how do we deal with this? Which developments can we ac- tively influence, proactively avert, and to which must we learn to adapt?

The 1000-year-old border town of Burghausen, whose prosperity and identity have always been closely linked to the Salzach, is inviting scientists and repre- sentatives from the 8 Alpine countries to exchange ideas at a two-day sympo- sium. The symposium is open to the public and will take place in the TUM Academy Centre Raitenhaslach on the banks of the Salzach from August 10-11.

Participants can present their work and highlight ways in which the Alpine regions can preserve healthy rivers and a natural environment whilst maintain- ing economic vitality. The symposium will provide an opportunity to discuss strategies for effectively addressing the challenges of climate change together with agriculture, industry and nature conservation. The aim is to discuss sce- narios that ensure that Alpine rivers - exemplified by the Salzach - continue to flourish as living and biodiverse cultural landscapes.

In addition to the publicly accessible sessions in the TUM Academy Center in Raitenhaslach, there will be a rich side program, including:

• Film Screening and Discussions: At the Anker Cinema, there will be a film screening with music, a reception, and panel discussions centered on alpine rivers.
• Water Day: Pascal Rösler from Pure Water for Generations will convene a “water day” and lead activities on the Wöhrsee lake and the Salzach River, including stand-up paddling
• Market & Educational Presentations: Organisations like German Alpine As- sociation, the Bund Naturschutz, and sports clubs are invited to host booths and present topics related to the Alps and rivers.
• Photo Exhibition: The Haus der Fotografie will display a photo exhibition from the UNESCO x Onewater photostory contest on “Water, peace and prosperity”.

VENUES

SCIENCE & CITIZENS: TUM ACADEMY CENTRE [EN+DE]

Raitenhaslach 11, 84489 Burghausen, Germany

CULTURE: FORT and DOWNTOWN [EN+DE]

ANKER CINEMA

Stadtpl. 41/42, 84489 Burghausen, Germany

HAUS DER FOTOGRAFIE

Burg 1, 84489 Burghausen, Germany

FAMILIES: HAUS DER FAMILIE [DE]

Prießnitzstraße 1, 84489 Burghausen, Germany

Training sessions, children’s program, workshops, lectures, tastings and demonstrations by various exhibitors (full list to be finalised in mid-June)