PRECIOUSE RESOURCES
IN THE MOUNTAINS
Did you know that a banana peel can take up to 2 years to decompose in the environment? The mountains, with their rugged beauty, serve not only as a place for rest and recreation but also as a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species, as well as an economic resource for many local farmers. The delicate balance between these elements must be safeguarded and preserved.
A significant portion of the environmental impact caused by human activity can be attributed to waste management. This is especially true above the tree line, where colder temperatures and the absence of a humus layer slow down the decomposition of organic waste, making it an even greater challenge. In 2023, the existing waste bins located near the lifts and at isolated locations in the area were replaced with larger waste collection stations. Such stations are designed to carefully separate glass, cans, plastic bottles and dry waste for proper disposal.
SUCCESSFUL SPAZZATOUR
A positive development has been the ongoing waste collection initiative ‘SpazzaTour’, organised by Merano 2000 in collaboration with the Tourist Association of Avelengo – Verano – Merano 2000. In 2023, participants collected 20 large rubbish bags and in 2024, that number dropped to just nine bags.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS FOR REFILLING WATER BOTTLES
The issue of dog waste bags remains particularly sensitive, as proper disposal is crucial due to the potential presence of harmful pathogens. The Neospora Caninum parasite, found in dog faeces, can infect cattle, causing miscarriages and birth defects in calves. “Leaving bags along the paths creates a double problem in terms of waste. Nylon bags take over 60 years to decompose in nature”, explains Andreas Zanier, president of Merano 2000 Funivie Spa.
Drinking fountains at various points in the area are an easy opportunity for nature lovers to refill their water bottles. For those who may have forgotten their bottles, refillable water bottles or high-quality thermos flasks are available for purchase at the cash desks, at the mountain station rental point or at the CUBUS Restaurant.
A significant portion of the environmental impact caused by human activity can be attributed to waste management. This is especially true above the tree line, where colder temperatures and the absence of a humus layer slow down the decomposition of organic waste, making it an even greater challenge. In 2023, the existing waste bins located near the lifts and at isolated locations in the area were replaced with larger waste collection stations. Such stations are designed to carefully separate glass, cans, plastic bottles and dry waste for proper disposal.
SUCCESSFUL SPAZZATOUR
A positive development has been the ongoing waste collection initiative ‘SpazzaTour’, organised by Merano 2000 in collaboration with the Tourist Association of Avelengo – Verano – Merano 2000. In 2023, participants collected 20 large rubbish bags and in 2024, that number dropped to just nine bags.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS FOR REFILLING WATER BOTTLES
The issue of dog waste bags remains particularly sensitive, as proper disposal is crucial due to the potential presence of harmful pathogens. The Neospora Caninum parasite, found in dog faeces, can infect cattle, causing miscarriages and birth defects in calves. “Leaving bags along the paths creates a double problem in terms of waste. Nylon bags take over 60 years to decompose in nature”, explains Andreas Zanier, president of Merano 2000 Funivie Spa.
Drinking fountains at various points in the area are an easy opportunity for nature lovers to refill their water bottles. For those who may have forgotten their bottles, refillable water bottles or high-quality thermos flasks are available for purchase at the cash desks, at the mountain station rental point or at the CUBUS Restaurant.
Over the past 20 years, various initiatives have been undertaken, such as protection against erosion, especially on the slopes of Sant’Osvaldo, for example by revegetation with hydraulic works carried out on streams. Furthermore, the region around the Spieler has been designated a protected area for the wood grouse.
In the autumn of 2023, Merano 2000 Funivie Spa launched a comprehensive strategic sustainability programme, framing all its environmental initiatives within a unified plan. This process includes key changes, among which the transition to 100% green energy supplied by Alperia and switching to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) synthetic diesel fuel for the vehicle fleet.
ELECTRIC QUAD AS HELPER IN THE AREA
By the end of 2024, 85,000 litres of HVO diesel had been purchased. Valentin Buchschwenter, revision manager at Merano 2000, is enthusiastic about the transition: “The consumption is identical to that of conventional diesel, but HVO is winter proof”. Valentin smiles and adds with pride: “We were one of the first ski resorts in South Tyrol to make this change”. Starting in the summer of 2024, the resort will also experiment with electric mobility. A new e-quad from Italcar will be used to transport staff lunches efficiently across various work locations during the summer season.
Further projects are in the planning. One such initiative includes testing photovoltaic systems and since 2023, the Ropeway company has also been tracking its CO2 emissions annually to monitor its carbon footprint over time. Andreas Zanier is confident these ongoing efforts will make a difference: “Through small and large steps, we aim to give back to the habitat what it needs to continue its natural cycles. We want to protect this stunning landscape, ensuring that Merano 2000 remains a place of enjoyment for everyone and for a long time to come.”
In the autumn of 2023, Merano 2000 Funivie Spa launched a comprehensive strategic sustainability programme, framing all its environmental initiatives within a unified plan. This process includes key changes, among which the transition to 100% green energy supplied by Alperia and switching to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) synthetic diesel fuel for the vehicle fleet.
ELECTRIC QUAD AS HELPER IN THE AREA
By the end of 2024, 85,000 litres of HVO diesel had been purchased. Valentin Buchschwenter, revision manager at Merano 2000, is enthusiastic about the transition: “The consumption is identical to that of conventional diesel, but HVO is winter proof”. Valentin smiles and adds with pride: “We were one of the first ski resorts in South Tyrol to make this change”. Starting in the summer of 2024, the resort will also experiment with electric mobility. A new e-quad from Italcar will be used to transport staff lunches efficiently across various work locations during the summer season.
Further projects are in the planning. One such initiative includes testing photovoltaic systems and since 2023, the Ropeway company has also been tracking its CO2 emissions annually to monitor its carbon footprint over time. Andreas Zanier is confident these ongoing efforts will make a difference: “Through small and large steps, we aim to give back to the habitat what it needs to continue its natural cycles. We want to protect this stunning landscape, ensuring that Merano 2000 remains a place of enjoyment for everyone and for a long time to come.”
