People living in the Alps have long been confronted with natural dangers. The increasing demands on territory and the constantly growing requirements in terms of safety, on the one hand, and the emergence of climate changes on the other all put pressure on people in various ways.

Clearly rules are needed to govern the future use of space and resources, but society also demands measures to protect existing settlements and economically important areas.

At-risk zone planning means recognising and evaluating occurrences in natural spaces such as falling rocks, landslips, avalanches or floods, while it is also a fundamental element in the planning, building and operation of protective structures and the introduction of preventive and safety measures.

Municipalities, individuals and businesses all rely on the permanent and safe functioning of residential and commercial buildings and of infrastructures. The increase in global networking has meant that the safety requirements relating to persons and business premises, traffic routes and energy and communication lines have now taken on a vital importance.

In the event of changes to building guidance plans or changes of use, the law requires a so-called “Investigation into hydrogeological and hydraulic risks” (Art. 10), as well as an “Investigation into hydrogeological or hydraulic compatibility” (Art.  11 of Provincial Decree no. 42/2008, “At-Risk Zone Plan” Implementing Regulation).

Our excellent knowledge of the local territory, based on our realisation of numerous infrastructure projects, and our specialist experience in the identification and appraisal of landscape processes both mean that we are in a position to provide competent advice and adaptations to a high technical standard when planning for at-risk zones.