From Lake Carezza to the Seceda, the iconic landmarks of Alto Adige will be watched over by 15 rangers responsible for monitoring, raising awareness and providing information.
He enforces the rules, but also offers hiking tips and reveals the secrets and legends of the area: ranger Giorgio Poschiavin, a hiking guide and ski instructor, keeps watch over Lake Carezza, in Val d'Ega, one of the most iconic spots in the Dolomiti, and shares its magic.
He is one of the 15 rangers taking part in the pilot project Südtirol Alto Adige Ranger, launched during the summer 2026 season, who will raise tourists' awareness of how to behave in nature and provide information at heavily visited locations across the region, such as Lake Carezza itself, Lake Braies, the Seceda, the Dolomite passes, the small church of Ranui and Santa Maddalena di Funes, the Alpe di Siusi and the Bletterbach gorge.
The idea emerged from the working group of tourism associations on the Dolomiti UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alto Adige, coordinated by the Provincial Department for Nature, Landscape and Territorial Development, the Dolomiti UNESCO World Heritage Coordination for Alto Adige, and the service provider Idm Südtirol Alto Adige.
In the mountains during summer, it is not uncommon to come across abandoned litter, people struggling due to inappropriate clothing for hiking trails, bivouacking in prohibited areas, families looking for route advice, or accidents: "In recent years, the influx of visitors and the resulting challenges have grown considerably in certain areas – said the Provincial Councillor for Nature, Environment and Climate Protection Peter Brunner – In this context, the Südtirol Alto Adige Ranger play an important role: they raise awareness on the ground about the correct behaviour to adopt in nature and the landscape, and contribute to its protection, especially outside protected areas."
The Südtirol Alto Adige Ranger took part in a training course lasting two and a half days, during which they acquired the fundamental knowledge needed to carry out their role of informing and guiding visitors both inside and outside protected areas. They also received training on awareness-raising through natural park visitor centres, as well as on communication and conflict management.
The rangers are recognisable by the uniform they wear, which is the same across the entire territory; they work alongside the rangers already present in the natural parks and also collaborate with the Province's Forestry Service.
For example, ranger Giorgio Poschiavin, combining the firmness of a custodian with the hospitality of a guide, is responsible for ensuring the rules of the Lake Carezza protected area are respected — such as the prohibition on climbing over fences, camping or flying drones — as well as carrying out educational outreach. The ranger leads tourists in discovering the secrets of the Rainbow Lake, fed by the underground springs of the Latemar and up to 22 metres deep, explaining its seasonal changes and the legends surrounding it, such as that of the mermaid Ondina.
He is also a point of reference for explaining local geology, the prized resonance wood found in the area, and for sensitively describing the damage suffered by the territory — from the effects of storm Vaia to the weight of snow and bark beetle infestations. To round off the welcome, the Lake Carezza ranger provides practical information on trails, ski lifts and the extensive bus network that allows visitors to reach the lake in a completely sustainable way, on foot or by public transport. He also ensures first aid coverage is in place.