The importance of the alpine region for human beings is much higher than may be estimated from its surface area and covers various aspects:

• Natural hazards endanger humans, property and traffic routes.
• Mountain areas are of agricultural importance for crop and livestock production. Water resources, agriculture, and power supply in lowlands often depend (at least partly) on water supply from alpine areas.
• Tourism is an increasingly important factor in many mountain countries.

13 August 2018
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