Research

Scientific research in the subalpine and alpine regions of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch (SAJA) is a broad field with a long-standing tradition. For centuries, esteemed researchers and research institutions have been active in the World Heritage area and have made significant contributions to our understanding of the Alps. The most renowned research center is the internationally recognized «High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch» with the Sphinx Observatory.

With the inclusion of the site on the World Heritage List, research activities that document and analyze changes in the World Heritage region have gained additional importance. Research in areas such as biodiversity, climate change, natural hazards, landscape transformation, and rural development is guided by specific objectives in relation to the World Heritage region. These research projects are carried out by a wide range of educational and scientific institutions and are closely coordinated with SAJA.

In the field of research, long-term area monitoring to observe changes in the World Heritage site and their impact on its values is a key objective of the foundation. In addition, important tasks include the coordination and communication of research activities and findings, the training and continuing education of stakeholders, knowledge and experience transfer, as well as collaboration with various research institutions on both the national level («Swiss Parks Research») and the global level («UNESCO Chair»).