Large parts of the border area between Italy and Switzerland are defined by glacial ridges or areas of perpetual snow, but melting glaciers have meant that these natural boundaries have begun to move.
Italy and Switzerland are now taking action to determine which areas belong to whom, write BBC.
Parts of the affected area lie beneath the world-famous Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest mountains, and near a number of popular ski destinations.
On Friday, Switzerland approved an agreement to change the border lines, but Italy has not yet signed the agreement. Already in May last year, work began on drawing up new borders.
Glaciers in Switzerland are shrinking at record speed, according to statistics from the Swiss glacier center Glamos. In 2023, the glaciers in the country lost 4 percent of their volume as a result of little snow and hot summers.
According to the Swiss authorities, the redefined borders with Italy have been drawn up in accordance with the economic interests of both countries.
The border areas are expected to be changed in the region of Plateau Rosa, Carrell and Gobba di Rollin – areas that are all close to the Matterhorn and world-famous ski destinations such as Zermatt.
Exactly where the border will go will only be known when both countries have signed the agreement.
#Melting #glaciers #create #border #problems #Italy #Switzerland
2024-09-30 23:54:51
