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Picture credits Astrium GmbH , IBK-Archiv, Markus Mauthe, d-werk GmbH , THURBO , , Werdenberg Tourismus Buchs, Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei, Michael Häfner, St.Gallen- Bodensee Tourismus, Theo Keller, Anja Köhler, Roland Korner, Regina Kühne, Roland Rasemann, Rolf Schultes, Achim Mende

Design d-werk GmbH Ravensburg Printed by Druckerei Berchtold, 1st edition, december 2009 International Conference (IBK) Objectives – Organisation – Projects

This publication is funded by:

EUROPÄISCHE UNION

gefördert aus dem Europäischen Fonds für Regionale Entwicklung

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt IBK-member states and cantons IBK at a glance

Federal states Cantons The International Lake Constance Conference (In - -Württemberg Appenzell Ausserrhoden ternationale Bodensee Konferenz – IBK) is a joint Area: 35.752 km ² Area: 243 km 2 platform for the federal states and cantons that Population: 10,7 million Population: 53.500 border on Lake Constance. IBK undertakes to with the Districts of Konstanz, maintain and promote the region of Lake Con - , Appenzell Innerrhoden stance as an attractive place to live and as a natu - and Ravensburg Area: 173 km 2 ral environment with a vibrant culture and Sigmaringen Population: 16.000 economy, and to create a sense of regional identity. Bayern IBK’s mission statement (Leitbild) for the region of Area: 70.550 km ² St.Gallen Baden-Württemberg Ravensburg Lake Constance is the basis for teamwork within Population: 12,4 million Area: 2.026 km ² the IBK and for the work of the seven commissions: with the Districts of , Population: 466.000 Konstanz education, science and research; culture; environ - Kempten Oberallgäu and the urban Bodenseekreis ment; transport; economy; health and social affairs; Freistaat Bayern municipality of Kempten and public relations. The IBK’s commissions carry Area: 298 km 2 Lindau out or initiate joint projects: for example, the Inter - Population: 75.000 Schaffhausen national Lake Constance University (Internationale Oberallgäu Area: 2.601 km 2 Bodensee-Hochschule IBH), projects to promote Population: 370.000 Thurgau networks in the cultural sphere, activities to protect Area: 991 km ² the climate, the day ticket Euregio Bodensee, Appenzell Appenzell Population: 241.000 Ausserrhoden Innerrhoden Agenda 21, teaching material on Lake Constance Vorarlberg Zürich region, and the Lake Constance Statistics Platform. Zürich Area: 1.729 km 2 As a forum for local governments and administrati - Population: 1,3 million ons, IBK is at the heart of a network for cross-bor - St.Gallen Fürstentum der cooperation in the region of Lake Constance with numerous committees and institutions at all Fürstentum Liechtenstein levels dealing with a huge range of topics from Area: 160 km ² water pollution control and conservation to the Population: 35.500 economy and labour market, tourism and trans - port, right up to politics, culture and society.

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Objectives Mission Statement (Leitbild)

IBK enhances the common bonds between the June 27, 2008) the heads of the local governments states and cantons around Lake Constance. It pulls around Lake Constance signed the IBK’s mission down barriers created by borders and helps to pre - statement. It sets joint development objectives and sent a uniform image. IBK is the lynchpin holding is governed by the idea of mutual responsibility, together the complex relationships arising from constructive collaboration and guided by the princi - cross-border cooperation. ples of sustainable development and subsidiarity.

On track – with the combi - The purpose of the mission IBK welcomes the efforts of all forces to work to - The different fields of activity and objectives are ned efforts of its member statement is to provide di - gether to promote the region of Lake Constance. given equal priority. Conflicting goals are resolved states and cantons, IBK rection, create a sense of Everything it does is in accordance with the princi - in the spirit of consensus taking into consideration sets the course for future identity within the IKB, ple of sustainable development and aimed at inte - the interests of the different parties. A catalogue developments in the region and make its activities grated solutions. It helps to reinforce a shared of measures is provided to implement the mission of Lake Constance. transparent. sense of regional identity among the people who statement. This is updated regularly and governs live here and is committed to safeguarding and de - the work of the seven specialist IBK commissions. veloping the cultural and natural landscape of the Lake Constance region. The mission statement is directed first and fore - most at the local governments of the members of IBK strives to position Lake Constance as an inter - IBK, and is then sent as a recommendation to par - nationally linked region with a dynamic and compe - liaments, communes, associations, and other or - titive economy, a high quality of life and attractive ganizations with responsibility in the region of Lake leisure opportunities. Constance as well as their consortiums.

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Organisation

Conference of Heads of Government The heads of government meet regularly to discuss joint political issues and goals in the region. They decide on the focus of the work plan, determine Conference of Heads of Government budgets, adopt resolutions for the member states and make recommendations to the national go - vernments of the countries involved and to institu - IBK is structured to ensure tions for European cooperation. that joint decisions are Standing Committee Standing Committee substantiated and imple - The operational body of IBK meets three times a mented at project level. year. It comprises the top representatives of the local authorities. The committee is responsible for Commissions ongoing business; it also appoints commissions and project groups, coordinates their work, moni - • Education, science and tors the budget and maintains contacts with other research institutions. • Culture Commissions • Environment IBK currently oversees seven commissions in the IBK head office following areas: education, science and research; • Transport culture; environment, nature and energy; transport; • Economy economy, employment and tourism; health and so - • Health and Social affairs cial affairs; and public relations. Special project teams and working groups deal with current issues. • Public Relations Chairmanship and head office IBK is chaired by a different member state or can - ton every year on a rotational basis. The chairper - son manages day-to-day business for the Project teams and working groups Conference of Heads of Government and the Stan - ding Committee and is supported in this task by the IBK head office.

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Education, science and research

IBK actively contributes to cultivating an attractive, Examples of projects competitive and coordinated educational, scientific • Promoting the International Lake Constance and research area of international standing. University (ILCU) as a network of universities, universities of applied science and educational Education, science and research are fundamental colleges in the region. prerequisites for economic growth, as well as for • Performance agreement with the ILCU with a employment and cultural and social cohesion. They focus on knowledge and technology transfer, Education, science and re - are an investment in the future. The aim now is to energy and mobility as well as regional develop - search are imperative for consolidate previous achievements and sustain ment, among others. economic growth. them at an international level by enhancing cross- • Supporting the Nobel Laureate Meetings in border cooperation and supporting and developing Lindau (Lake Constance) activities.

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Culture

IBK promotes Lake Constance as a region with a Examples of projects rich cultural heritage and active cultural life, thus • Supporting outstanding projects and networks contributing to the shared identity and internatio - in the cultural sphere, for example the recent nal flair of the region. Triennial for Contemporary Art • Promoting direct contact between artists and Culture and history together play a key role in for - organizers of art in various categories through ging a common identity in the region of Lake Con - its annual IBK awards and at the IBK Artistic En - Experimental folk musici - stance. IBK strives to preserve and cultivate this counters and the IBK Culture Forum, which al - ans meet at IBK’s Artistic legacy, while at the same time supporting present- ternate every two years. Encounter. day cultural activities in all their diversity, con - necting them and promoting them beyond the region.

Culture and history are the cornerstones for a common identity in the region of Lake Constance.

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Environment, nature and energy

IBK promotes the conservation of the region as an the quality of life of present and future generati - attractive place to live and a natural landscape. An ons. Biodiversity is particularly important as well intact environment is crucial for the people who as using energy in an environmentally and climate- live in the region of Lake Constance. IBK advocates friendly way. IBK strives to reconcile environmen - the efficient use of energy and promotes the ex - tal protection and sustainable economic pansion of renewable energy. development.

The municipality of Lange - From its early days, IBK has concerned itself with Examples of projects negg won the IBK Energy the quality of the water in Lake Constance and • IBK Energy Award for exemplary building pro - Award in 2008. supported efforts to conserve it as a drinking jects in the public sector water reservoir and a habitat for fauna and flora. • Status report on renewable energy Since then, other causes have arisen – resulting • IBK Climate Protection Congress from climate change – that also need recognition • Selection of good examples from the region of Sustainable water protec - and protection. Environmental and nature pro - Lake Constance on the topics of energy effi - tion is vital in the sensitive tection, especially efforts to keep the water heal - ciency, air quality, climate protection as well as region of Lake Constance. thy and the air clean, are critical in the ecologically agriculture and environmental protection listed sensitive region of Lake Constance to safeguard on IBK’s website • Status reports on air pollution (fine dust, ozone)

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Transport

IBK works toward improving connections to inter - national transport routes throughout the region, closing gaps in the transport infrastructure across national boundaries, and forging high-capacity transport routes and links within the region of Lake Constance.

A fully functional transport system (roads, rail, water, air) is essential to fulfil the mobility require - ments of the population, and it enables the eco - nomy to flourish. It also helps to bring the region of Lake Constance closer together. Accompanying measures include minimizing environmental pollu - tion caused by traffic, in particular noise and emis - sions.

Examples of projects • Consolidating efforts to improve public transport across national borders based on the Bodan-Rail 2020 concept Public and private trans - • Extending the day ticket Euregio Bodensee as an port must be coordinated attractive product for cross-border day trips with as far as possible. one ticket for all journeys by rail, bus or

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Economy, employment and tourism

IBK promotes efforts to create and enhance a di - verse and sustainable economy and an attractive cross-border employment market. It does this by creating attractive legal and economic conditions, supporting innovation, expanding the infra - structure and the range of educational courses on offer, as well as through cooperation in the area of tourism.

The region of Lake Constance features a large number of diverse and innovative companies and is an attractive labour market for qualified and highly qualified specialists. The future of the region lies in an economy that is focused on science, quality and technology. IBK promotes cross-border networks and mobility as well as the transfer of knowledge between research institutes, the economy and the labour market.

Examples of projects The economy in the region • Creating cross-border exchange platforms with of Lake Constance is cha - practical benefits: e.g. Statistics Platform, racterized by innovation xchange platform for apprentices, Future Confe - and diversity. rence • Contributing to the development of a branding and marketing strategy for Lake Constance as an economic area and tourist destination • Cooperating in cross-border knowledge and technology transfer and linking existing net - works to promote innovation

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Health Social affairs

IBK promotes cooperation in the area of prevention IBK creates and promotes opportunities to ex - and health provision. It supports efforts to en - change information to find solutions to problems in hance the use of infrastructural facilities across the area of youth, family, old age and migration national borders. against the background of demographic and social change. All members of IBK attach great importance to pre - vention and health promotion. They regularly ex - Social policy is subject to different regulations in change information and carry out joint projects, the member states, which hinders in-depth coope - thus boosting the impact and benefits of regional ration across national borders. measures. The region of Lake Constance has a wide range of high-quality institutions for health It is important to exchange experience and insights provision. Different conditions across national across borders to be able to develop suitable mea - boundaries, however, pose a special challenge for sures and concepts to cope with the challenges Health prevention and pro - the cross-border provision of treatment and care. Coping with demographic that result from demographic and social change. motion are high on the and social change is a agenda for all IBK mem - Examples of projects challenge for all member Examples of projects bers. • IBK symposium on “Health Promotion and Pre - states and cantons in the • Setting up platforms to enable direct contact in vention” with a contest and attractive prizes IBK. the area of family, old age, youth, and integration • Identifying and publicising good examples and • Symposia and podium discussions to link exis - projects in the area of health, e.g. cooperation ting projects between hospitals, e-health projects; prevention • Initiating new projects, e.g. as part of the Inter - projects reg IV program, on demographic change or to • IBK Conference for Rescue Services held on a develop approaches for rural areas regular basis in the region of Lake Constance • Preparing common action in the border area in case of a pandemic

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Spatial development Lake Constance Agenda 21

In close cooperation with the Lake Constance Spa - Lake Constance Agenda 21 is a project initiated by tial Planning Commission, IBK promotes joint spa - IBK to demonstrate the potential of sustainable tial development in the region of Lake Constance. development in the region of Lake Constance: En - The aim is to use the available land economically abling people today and tomorrow to enjoy a high and to secure it in the long term. In the case of quality of life, ensuring a dynamic and successful conflicting interests, the principle of sustainable economy, helping to preserve and enhance the development must be upheld. beautiful landscape, and not living at the expense Lake Constance Youth of others. A true challenge! Summit: fit for future The region of Lake Constance is a natural and energy. cultural landscape of outstanding importance. Since 1999, through its regional points of contact This poses a particular challenge when weighing as well as through events to exchange information up claims to the land from tourism, the economy, and experience, competitions and projects, Lake urban development and transport. It is essential Constance Agenda 21 has helped to create a Sustainable concepts for that the existing land is used economically while broad network of players that are committed to economical land use are balancing the space requirements for living, trans - supporting and advancing sustainable develop - an effective way to respond port, the economy, work and relaxation. One chief ment in the region. to pressure to build new concern of IBK is supporting rural areas. settlements. Lake Constance Agenda 21 covers topics such as

Project examples www.bodensee-agenda21.net “youth and politics”, “sustainable community and • Close cooperation with the Lake Constance regional development”, “quality of life and local Spatial Planning Commission (land and trans - supply”, “sustainable business” or “space for living port) and the International Commission for the – space for dreaming”. Protection of Lake Constance (shoreline) • Promoting cross-border exchange as well as fundamental spatial development projects, such as DACH+ • Helping to position the area as the European Re - gion of Lake Constance

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt Public relations Head office

By providing regular information about its projects, IBK’s head office IBK positions itself as a creative network across • answers questions on cross-border topics national boundaries. The commission for public • communicates problems concerning borders to relations plans measures and instruments in the IBK medium- and long-term and implements these • helps IBK with media work together with the head office. IBK’s head office is based • establishes contact with public administrations IBK’s website at www.bodenseekonferenz.org in Constance. and institutions in the region of Lake Constance Regularly informing people provides information on all activities carried out • advises on the Interreg program “Alpenrhein-Bo - in the region of Lake Con - by IBK as well as on cross-border cooperation densee-Hochrhein” stance about IBK’s many in general. The Lake Constance Information • provides information about the region of Lake campaigns and projects. Service (Bodensee-Informationsdienst BI) Constance, its bordering federal states and can - addresses the regional media, members of tons the media and all • provides access to documentation in the region those interested. • communicates in internal and external networks

IBK | grenzenlos | kreativ | vernetzt