Our Projects for a Greener Future

A unique art project in Partschins draws attention to an important environmental issue. Initiated by the Partschins Tourist Association, the project features a creative wooden installation in the form of a toilet paper holder.
However, instead of the usual white toilet paper, a salt lick for animals, resembling a roll of toilet paper, is mounted.
The artwork bears the inscription: “Nature is not your toilet, and this is not toilet paper.”

These unconventional and perhaps provocative art installations, placed along various hiking trails, aim to remind viewers that nature is not a place to leave trash. In particular, toilet paper and tissues do not decompose quickly (2-3 years), and human waste can also pose dangers to wildlife. Salt licks, on the other hand, are a useful resource for grazing animals like goats and sheep, which can lick the salt.
The primary goal of the project is to draw visitors’ attention to the need to protect and respect nature. It seeks to encourage responsible behavior and discourage leaving waste in natural areas.
If there are no other options for relieving oneself, waste should be buried at least 15-20 cm deep to promote decomposition and keep animals away. Natural materials like large leaves or moss can be used for hygiene and buried along with the waste. These materials are biodegradable and cause no long-term environmental damage.

The municipality of Partschins and all of South Tyrol are known for breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. With this project, the Tourist Association aims to contribute to environmental protection and raise awareness about the issue.
This art project also demonstrates that art can not only be aesthetically appealing but also convey a strong message and make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection.

For us, the Tree Festival is much more than a joint planting activity – it is a conscious sign of responsibility, appreciation and a mindful approach to nature.

Trees not only shape our landscape, they also fulfil many essential functions: they absorb CO₂, improve air quality, regulate the microclimate and provide habitats for numerous animal and plant species. In doing so, they make an indispensable contribution to the ecological balance of our region.

By planting new trees together, we want to give something back to nature. Wherever nature is enjoyed and used, care, preservation and forward-thinking action are also required. The Tree Festival stands precisely for this idea: not just talking about sustainability, but taking action – consciously, responsibly and with the future in mind.

Another key aspect is the sense of community. At the Tree Festival, people of different generations come together, learn from one another and experience nature first-hand. This shared activity strengthens awareness of how closely connected humans and the environment truly are. Those who plant a tree themselves often develop a deeper relationship with the landscape – one based on respect and responsibility.

At the same time, we aim to share knowledge: about forests, their importance, the proper care of trees and the challenges our natural environment faces today. Because lasting environmental protection begins with understanding. Only those who recognise the connections can make responsible decisions in the long term.

For us, sustainability means acting today to ensure that future generations can enjoy a healthy and liveable environment. The Tree Festival is a small but visible step in this direction – a sign that collective action, regional responsibility and a conscious use of natural resources can create a lasting positive impact.

In the early hours of the day, when the first bird songs begin to rise, nature reveals its quiet and original side. Birds accompany our landscape, bring life to meadows, forests and gardens, and form part of the natural rhythm that shapes our surroundings. Giving them space means offering nature attention and appreciation.

A living landscape provides birds with shelter, food and places of retreat. Where diversity is allowed to grow and nature is approached with care, a balance emerges that reaches far beyond individual habitats. These delicate connections are often quiet – and that is precisely what makes them so valuable. 
A sense of connection to nature develops when people pause, observe and listen. Those who notice bird songs discover the small signs of a healthy environment and gain a deeper understanding of nature’s needs. From this closeness, responsibility grows – gently and without moralising.

For us, sustainability means meeting nature with respect and giving it time, space and attention. It is about preserving diversity, experiencing the landscape mindfully and carefully passing on the natural richness of our region.
This attitude is also reflected in the ornithological experience walk. It invites participants to become aware of the local birdlife, to recognise natural connections and to experience the landscape of Partschins with open senses – quietly, unhurried and in harmony with nature.