First Inter-Alpine Natural Hazards Conference successfully carried out

The first Inter-Alpine Natural Hazards Conference (INAC) took place in Innsbruck from May 5 to 7, 2025. Over 100 experts from Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Norway and Switzerland participated in the event. They came from the fields of science, industry, infrastructure and technology.

Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle and the organizers Christian Mayerhofer (Congress Messe Innsbruck), Gebhart Walter (WLV) and Jan-Thomas Fischer (BFW) opened the conference. The aim of the event was to pool the knowledge of key players, decision-makers and operators from the above-mentioned sectors.

Sustainable protection concepts in natural hazard and risk management

In conjunction with the leading international trade fair INTERALPIN, the conference offered added value for the discussion of sustainable protection concepts in natural hazard and risk management. The focus was on technical protection measures, nature-based solutions and innovative safety concepts for natural hazards such as snow avalanches, mudflows, floods, rockfall and storms in a changing alpine environment and under changing climatic conditions.

On the first day, experts presented topics such as “Adaptive natural hazard management in a changing alpine environment” and “Gravitational and hydrological hazard processes in a changing climate”. A symposium organized by Trumer Schutzbauten led the participants to the “Monitoring Site Ranalt – Flexible Barrier Designed for Catching Avalanches Exposed to an Unexpected Debris Flow Event”. A networking event in cooperation with the association INTERPRAEVENT facilitated further exchange.

Exchange with industry representatives

The second day began with presentations on “Sustainable protective measures and safety concepts” and “Compound events and cascading process chains”. After visiting the stands of the exhibiting companies, the conference continued at the INTERALPIN trade fair. One highlight was the industry session “Innovative Solutions for Natural Hazards”, where participants in small groups visited selected companies and exchanged ideas directly with leading industry representatives.

The day ended with the Interalpin Snow Crystal Gala, an evening event with culinary delights, live bands and performances.

On the third day, the Interalpin Inspiration Days brought the program to a close. Margreth Keiler (University of Innsbruck and ÖAW) and Fabio De Polo (Agency for Civil Protection, Autonomous Province of Bolzano) summarized the content of the INAC presentations. Afterwards, Jan-Thomas Fischer (BFW), Gebhart Walter (WLV) and Reinhard Klier (Wintersport Tirol AG) discussed the role of natural hazards and future prospects as representatives of science, technology, infrastructure and industry.

Program Committee