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We rely on larches so that the mountain forest continues to fulfill its function as a protective forest and protects the Julier Pass road.
Spruce is displacing larch and taking away habitat from the native tree species. The spruce, however, is less robust and finds it difficult to cope with the increasing climate changes. Furthermore, it is less suitable as a protective forest. For these reasons, we stop spruce regeneration and promote larch instead. The light gained will allow the young larches to grow and develop. It is important to protect them from game browsing with a single fence during this phase. In the longer term, they can resume their role as a protective forest.
Climate change is a fact and poses major challenges for us and especially for the forest. By the end of the 21st century, vegetation height levels will shift upward by 500 to 700 meters. This means that if climate warming continues, a tree today will have to be planted 500 meters higher up in order to have the ideal location at its full size. The first signs of climate change are showing up in the form of hot, dry summers. This creates conditions that make it difficult for many tree and plant species. In Graubünden, for example, the spruce will hardly be able to withstand these climatic changes. There is a threat of tree death and associated avalanche and erosion hazards.
The pioneering project "#01/2 Riz" was developed in close collaboration with the Surses forestry office and launched on September 26, 2023. The Pignaverde Foundation's first project was successfully approved on June 20, 2024. Thanks to the measures implemented with the "#01/2 Riz" project, the mountain forest can perform its original task permanently and protect the Julier Pass road from debris flows, rockfalls and snow slides in a few years' time.
This project was financed by Passione Engadina. Many thanks to the first Pignaverde project sponsor for their generous support of a sustainable project that will also benefit future generations.
