Rieserferner-Ahrn / Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park

The Rieserferner-Ahrn / Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park extends over around 31,320 hectares that are part of the municipalities of Sand in Taufers / Campo Tures, Gais, Percha / Perca, Rasen-Antholz / Rasun-Anterselva, Ahrntal / Valle Aurina and Prettau / Predoi. Founded in 1998, the Rieserferner-Ahrn / Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park borders directly on national park Hohe Tauern (Austria). Together with high mountain nature park Zillertaler Alps, these three protected areas with a total area of 2,571 square kilometers constitute Europe’s largest alliance of protected areas. Cross-border initiatives are frequently organized with the goal of promoting the common sense of responsibility for this unique natural and cultural heritage.

The park is part of the European-wide Natura 2000 sites, which aim to promote habitat, flora and fauna conservation and were established under the EU’s FFH Directive (92/43/EC) and Bird’s Directive (2009/147/EC). Article 6(1) of the FFH Directive requires EU member states to elaborate conservation measures for Natura 2000 sites, to which end the province of South Tyrol commissioned so called management plans.

Each park has an executive board whose members are representatives of the relevant municipalities, an expert in natural sciences, representatives of nature conservation associations, farmers' representatives and representatives of the relevant provincial agencies.