Espace Mont-Blanc: timeline
The celebration of the bicentennial of the first ascension of Mont Blanc marked the start of a collective realisation that gave birth to the Espace Mont-Blanc in 1991. After ten years of study to lay a framework, the projects entered into their realisation phase and materialised with the drafting, in 2006, of the Sustainable Development Schema. Between 2007 and 2013, the Plan Intégré Transfrontalier (Transboundary Integrated Plan, or PIT), financed by the European programmes for France-Italy cooperation (ALCOTRA), permitted the realisation of concrete actions. Today, after an enormous collaborative process, the Espace Mont-Blanc launches the priority actions issued by its Stratégie d'Avenir Pour le Mont Blanc (“Strategy for the Future of Mont Blanc”).
- 2022
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5 May 2022
Roadmap on Adaptation to Climate Change
In Aosta, the Espace Mont-Blanc partnership presents its Roadmap on Adaptation to Climate Change. A joint programme of work on multiple and cross-cutting themes, the Roadmap envisages concrete measures to support the maintenance of populations in our mountain regions and to make economic activities more resilient to the effects of global warming.
- 2021
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23 July 2021
30 years of Espace Mont-Blanc
At the summit of the Grand-Saint-Bernard Pass, Espace Mont-Blanc celebrates its 30 years of cross-border cooperation.
- 2020
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23 July 2020
Validation of the Mont-Blanc Unesco Report and start of consultation of the three States
Final Report Mont-Blanc UNESCOPrepared by an Italian-Franco-Swiss team of experts, the Final Report identifies potential attributes likely to meet the UNESCO criteria for a candidacy of the Mont Blanc massif to the World Heritage List as “Cultural landscape”.
- 2019
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20 March 2019
Start of the PITER “Parcours”
Selected in 2018 by the Interreg France-Italy Programme ALCOTRA 2014-2020, the Integrated Territorial Plan (PITER) PARCOURS is officially launched in Aosta. The PITER Parcours develops a strategy shared by the three slopes of Mont-Blanc, with the aim of providing innovative responses to the need of local actors to regain ownership and value a unique natural and cultural heritage.
- 2018
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29 November 2018
Participatory approach to addressing the challenges of climate change
Local administrators, technicians and stakeholders from Mont Blanc's cross-border territory have come closer to the priority theme of climate change in mountain regions. As part of the ADAPT Mont-Blanc project, three World Cafés and a Plenary Meeting initiated the development of planning tools adapted to climate challenges. The project is funded by the Alcotra France-Italy European Territorial Cooperation Programme 2014-2020.
- 2017
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24 October 2017
Mont Blanc UNESCO World Heritage application: a declaration of intent has been signed
On October 24th 2017 in Chamonix Mont-Blanc - in the framework of the Mont Blan Transboundary Conference - French, Italian and Swiss officials have signed a declaration of intent to launch the Mont Blanc candidacy for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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22 September 2017
L'Espace Mont-Blanc s'approche du site UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
Suite à la décision du Comité exécutif du 17 mai 2017 d'établir une feuille de route dans la perspective d'une candidature du Massif du Mont-Blanc au Patrimonie mondial, une délégation de l'Espace Mont-Blanc visite le site "UNESCO Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch".
- 2016
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15 September 2016
The Grand Combin joins the Espace Mont-Blanc
The Conférence Transfrontalière Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference), convened in Orsières (CH), acts on the extension of its perimeter to the territory of the Unité des communes valdôtaines du Grand Combin(Union of the Aosta Valley municipalities of Grand Combin).
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11 August 2016
25 years of the Espace Mont-Blanc
Since August, the quarter of a century of the Espace Mont-Blanc was celebrated in various events organized in Courmayeur (I), Orsières (CH) and Les Houches (F).
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30 June 2016
Implementation of the Strategy for the Future
On September 1st 2016, start of projects arisen from the “Stratégie d'avenir du Mont-Blanc” cough up by the new European programs 2014-2020: “PrevriskHauteMontagne”, TourScience » and «Proguides » in the context of the Interreg Alcotra program, “Alpes” within the context of the Alpine Space program.
- 2015
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22 September 2015
PlanETer online
Start of the platform « PlanETer online », tool of territorial energy planning to help citizens and public administrations to success in the energy change.
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17 June 2015
Assembly of the MOT in Chamonix
The general Assembly of the Transboundary Operational Mission takes place in Chamonix and meets the Espace Mont-Blanc.
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15 April 2015
Gastronomy around the Mont-Blanc
As actions of promotion of local products, the work “Gastronomy around the Mont-Blanc” is published and fulfilled within the context of the Alcotra project “Produits d'hauteur”.
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31 March 2015
Guide for a lasting management of huts and refugees
A guide of recommendations for a sustainable management of mountain huts, fulfilled by technicians of the project “Eco Innovation en altitude” and delivered to structures at high altitude around Mont-Blanc.
- 2014
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16 October 2014
Strategy for the Future
La Conférence Transfrontalière Mont Blanc (the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference) approves the Strategy for the Future, a major strategic tool for ensuring consistency of public policies regarding the territories around Mont Blanc.
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22 January 2014
Groupement Européen de Coopération Territoriale GECT (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation)
In Chamonix, the three Vice-Presidents of the Espace Mont-Blanc sign a document for the creation of the Groupement Européen de Coopération Territoriale (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation) (GECT).
- 2013
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3 July 2013
Closure of the Transboundary Integrated Plan (PIT) for the Espace Mont-Blanc
Closing ceremony for the Transboundary Integrated Plan (PIT) for the Espace Mont-Blanc at the welcome centre of the Aiguilles Rouges (“Red Peaks”) at the Col de Montets.
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22 March 2013
New tourism task force
Courmayeur: The Alpine Convention recognises the experience of the Mont Blanc Observatory and launches its new tourism task force.
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14 January 2013
“Eco-innovation en altitude” and “Produits d’Hauteur”
The Programme Monitoring Committee of transboundary cooperation Alcotra notifies of the approval of the projects “Eco-innovation en altitude” and “Produits d'Hauteur.”
- 2012
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22 October 2012
Espace Mont-Blanc forum: products, services, and the future of PIT
Megève: the Espace Mont-Blanc forum. Local elected officials and actors of the Espace Mont-Blanc meet each other to discuss the products, services, and future of PIT.
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5 May 2012
Transboundary battle of the Queens
First Espace Mont-Blanc cow fighting in Aproz (Valais).
- 2011
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7 October 2011
20 years of the Espace Mont-Blanc
Celebrations for the 20 years of the Espace Mont-Blanc at the Foire du Valais de Martigny (the Valais fair in Martigny).
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15 September 2011
The Espace Mont-Blanc forum: the twenty-seven partners of PIT meet
La Salle: the Espace Mont-Blanc forum. The twenty-seven partners of PIT Espace Mont-Blanc come together to discuss four strategic themes: Education and environmental awareness, Indicators of sustainable development, Cartography, and the Management of the massif.
- 2009
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23 December 2009
Official beginning of the Transboundary Integrated Plan – PIT
Courmayeur: the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley announces, in its role as leader, the official beginning of the Transboundary Integrated Plan – PIT Espace Mont-Blanc. Six regional projects are implemented.
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29 April 2009
Deposit of the Transboundary Integrated Plan – PIT
Deposit of the files of the Transboundary Integrated Plan – PIT Espace Mont-Blanc with the joint technical secretariat of the Alcotra Programme in Menton.
- 2007
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15 September 2007
Inauguration of the Casermetta
The Casermetta Espace Mont-Blanc celebrates its inauguration. Rehabilitated thanks to the EU funds from Alcotra, the structure has become a privileged centre of research and advocacy for sustainable development.
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28 July 2007
Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, an eco-responsible race
The great race The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc is henceforth known as an "eco-responsible race:" signing of the environmental ethics charter with the Espace Mont-Blanc.
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4 May 2007
Classification of Mont Blanc as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chamonix: position statement of the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference with respect to the classification of Mont Blanc as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 2006
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4 October 2006
Espace Mont-Blanc Forum
First Espace Mont-Blanc Forum. Presentation of the priority projects of the Sustainable Development Schema (SDD) at the Foire du Valais de Martigny.
- 2005
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15 December 2005
Presentation of the Sustainable Development Schema SDD
Martigny – Aosta – Chamonix: Final milestone press conference of the presentation of the Sustainable Development Schema SDD of the Espace Mont-Blanc.
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1 June 2005
Legal tool of cooperation for sustainable development
Rome: within the framework of a collaboration with the European Academy of Bolzano EURAC, the Espace Mont-Blanc presents to the FAO the study “Legal tool of cooperation for sustainable development of a transboundary mountain region.”
- 2003
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14 November 2003
Safeguarding sensitive environments and landscapes
Following the examination of the case by the communes, the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference CTMB adopts their communal strategy for safeguarding sensitive environments and landscapes.
- 2001
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22 May 2001
50 Theme Trails in the Espace Mont-Blanc
Fondation Gianadda Martigny: presentation of the guidebook “50 Theme Trails in the Espace Mont-Blanc.”
- 1998
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27 February 1998
Sustainable Development Schema
The high-ranking officials of the Ministries of the Environment of the three countries request the CTMB to record the activities of the Espace Mont-Blanc within the framework of a “sustainable development schema.”
- 1997
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16 January 1997
The Espace Mont-Blanc Transboundary Geographic Information System
The Joint Commission Interreg II approves the project of the creation of the Espace Mont-Blanc Transboundary Geographic Information System.
- 1996
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28 June 1996
Study on the transportation problem
Courmayeur: the study on the transportation problem is given to the three delegations of the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference (CTMB).
- 1995
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6 June 1995
Time for action
Pilot projects are implemented in the three transboundary test zones: Montagne de Balme, Val Ferret, Col de la Seigne, and the Col du Bonhomme.
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16 May 1995
Creation of the logo
Following an international ideas contest, the Espace Mont-Blanc has adopted the logo created by the Valdotian artist Franco Balan.
- 1994
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11 November 1994
Last meeting of the Ministers
Geneva: the Ministers of the Environment of France, Italy, and Switzerland request the implementation of concrete actions in the three test zones.
- 1993
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20 November 1993
Pilot projects
Chamonix: the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference (CTMB) is charged by the Ministries of the three countries to launch the pilot projects on the themes of “mountain agriculture,” “sensitive environments,” “extensive yet gentle tourism,” and “transportation.”
- 1992
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31 October 1992
Defining the perimeter of the Espace Mont-Blanc
Aosta: the Ministers of the Environment of France, Italy, and Switzerland are given a mandate at the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference (CTMB) to put in place the structures necessary to conduct the feasibility study, to launch the pilot projects, as well as to define the perimeter of the Espace Mont-Blanc.
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7 January 1992
Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference
Aosta: first meeting of the Mont Blanc Transboundary Conference.
- 1991
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25 October 1991
Meeting of the Ministers of the Environment of France, Italy, and Switzerland
Champéry: tripartite meeting of the Ministers of the Environment of France, Italy, and Switzerland. The national authorities and their regional and local counterparts agree on the creation of the Espace Mont-Blanc.
- 1990
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13 October 1990
Tripartite meeting of the Ministers of the Environment
Annecy: tripartite meeting of the Ministers of the Environment. Brice Lalonde, French Minister, proposes to meet the wishes of the local officials who want to be entrusted with the future of Mont Blanc and its valleys.
- 1988
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8 November 1988
Mont Blanc International Park
The ministers of the environment of the three countries bring their support to the idea of a “Mont Blanc International Park" in signing the Declaration of Locarno
The bicentennial celebration of the first ascension of Mont Blanc marks the beginning of a collective awareness about the necessity of a concerted effort to take charge of the future of this exceptional site and its surroundings.
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8 August 1986: bicentennial celebration of the first ascension of Mont Blanc
The bicentennial celebration of the first ascension of Mont Blanc marks the beginning of a collective awareness about the necessity of a concerted effort to take charge of the future of this exceptional site and its surroundings.
