This summer, the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, in collaboration with the Service Civil International (SCI) network, carried out a 10-day nature mission on the Illaple for the second time. Ten volunteers from Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy and Spain, together with a community service worker and a nature park employee, worked hard to restore stone walls and paths and maintain pastures.

The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park supports the Alps in the park perimeter by organizing and coordinating nature work. Nowadays, alpine cooperatives often lack the resources to manage the intensive manual work on their own. This is why such assignments are very welcome. The Nature Park took on the coordination and management of the work and SCI Switzerland organized the volunteers.

Strenuous but useful "vacations"

Volunteers from all over the world can register with the SCI International Network to work on a project. Participants cover their travel costs and receive board and lodging on site. Getting to know the Valais mountains and its culture while doing something useful motivates most participants. "In contrast to the extreme weather conditions, there was a great atmosphere in the group. Not everyone was aware of how strenuous the work on the alp is. But after two days they found their rhythm and did a great job," said a delighted Anna Gersten from the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, who led the project. Existing stone walls were renovated in strenuous manual work.

Due to the snow pressure, the existing stone walls on the alpine pastures in many regions are deteriorating. In addition, new stones are constantly coming to the surface. By rebuilding these into stone forests, more space is created for the lush grass. Stone reefs are not only a cultural asset that used to divide pastures, but also a valuable habitat for many animals and plants.

Although the work was very strenuous, the whole operation was a complete success. The accommodation provided by the alpine cooperative was ideal, with a fantastic view. As a thank you, the Illalpe alpine cooperative invited everyone to a raclette in the second week of work. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park plans to carry out even more such assignments next year.

Preserving and enhancing the landscape

Twelve nature park communities were awarded the title of nature park of national importance due to their unique and outstanding natural and landscape values. This is intended to preserve and enhance traditional cultural and natural landscapes, promote the development of the economy in a way that is suitable for grandchildren and raise awareness among its inhabitants. By organizing nature missions, the nature park contributes to the preservation of the Valais landscape and supports not only its municipalities, but also cooperatives and its population.