Culture and regional policy: culture as a factor in the regional development of the Alps

The Alps are the cultural and natural heart of Europe, and in recent decades they have faced many changes. These changes have often entailed negative consequences because they affect the very essence of the Alps: their population, preservation of the natural environment, maintenance of the cultural landscape, and traditional economic activities that have respected the sensitivity of this ecological and cultural system. This article defines the significance and role of culture in the regional development of the Alps as part of sustainable future development. The analysis focuses on the conditions in the Slovenian Alps and draws parallels with the entire Alpine range. The article is based on the findings of the DIAMONT project.