Workshop 2
Assets and vulnerabilities of mountain regions - governance approaches, innovations and adaptation strategies for the sustainable management of territories
Moderators: G. Brunori (University of Pisa), T. Dax (BAB), M.-M. Delgado-Serrano (University of Cordoba), D. Goussios (University of Thessaly), F. Lerin (AIDA), C. Luminati (Polo Poschiavo), F. Pythoud (OFAG), L. Rieutort (Université de Clermont-Auvergne), E. Schmitt (ZHAW), M. Trentin (Origin for Sustainability)
Sessions
Schedule 8 30 to 10
Moderation
- E. Schmitt (ZHAW),
Contributions
Grain and no rain? – Climate change perception and adaptation measures of mountain farmers in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland – E. Schmitt, A. Geiser, I. Jaisli, N. Trüb, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland Abstract Video PowerPoint
Solving the “forage dilemma” to increase the resilience of forage systems: example of cattle breeding in the Massif Central – R. Dureau, Université Laval, Québec, C. Poix, P. Jeanneaux, VetSupAgro, UMR Territoires, France Abstract Video PowerPoint
Climate crisis and governance approaches in the carob flour value chain in Rethymno, Crete – A. Vavvos, C. Piteris, S. Triliva, I. Kafkalas, K. Skrapaliori, Université de Crète & Région de Crète, Greece Abstract Video PowerPoint
Schedule 10 30 to 12
Moderation
- F. Lerin (AIDA),
- D. Goussios (University of Thessaloniki)
Contributions
Geohistorical study of landscape trajectories in three rural territories of the Val d’Hérens (Valais, Switzerland) – M. Clivaz, E. Reynard, C. Dubath, M. Bourqui, Institut de géographie et de durabilité et Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la montagne, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland Abstract Video PowerPoint
Prioritizing abandoned agricultural land for re-cultivation based on the potential for ecosystem services delivery – M. C. Stavrinides, I. Vogiatzakis, V. Litskas, Cyprus University of Technology, University of Thessaloniki, Chypre/Greece Abstract Video PowerPoint
New possibilities for the recovery of abandoned agricultural land in Mediterranean mountains: an example of planning in Troodos-Cyprus – G. Dimitris, G. Dimitra, University of Thessaly, Rural Space Laboratory, MountMED Institut, Greece Abstract Video PowerPoint
Reclaiming space in the mountains, between land blockages and diversification opportunities. Comparative experiences in Corsica, Cévennes and Northern Alps – G. Vianey, J. C. Paoli, Unité Mixte de Recherche « Cités Territoires Environnement et Sociétés », SELMET-LRDE, Corte (Corse), UMR SELMET Systèmes d’Elevage Méditerranéens et Tropicaux, France Abstract Video PowerPoint
Schedule 13 30 to 15
Moderation
- L. Rieutort (Université de Clermont-Auvergne),
- C. Luminati (Polo Poschiavo)
Contributions
Labels as a support for the socio-environmental transition of mountain tourist destinations? The case of the “Flocon Vert” label – A. Bonnemains, C. Clivaz, Institute of Geography and Sustainability and Interdisciplinary Mountain Research Centre, University of Lausanne, Switzerland Abstract Video PowerPoint
Networks and transformative capacity of social innovations in mountain territories – C. Pachoud, University of Grenoble Alpes, France Abstract Video PowerPoint
Envisioning the future of young people in mountain areas: The challenge of sustainability and resilience – R. Creaney, K. Blackstock, S. Flanigan, J. Hopkins, D. Miller, K. Matthews, James Hutton Institute, Scotland Abstract Video PowerPoint
Stakeholders’ Actions to tackle the Consequences of Climate Change in three Mountain Value Chains in Europe, D. Barjolle, T. Zivadinovic, G. Nemes, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, Mena Group, Serbia, Rural BTD, Hungary Abstract Video PowerPoint
Schedule 15 30 to 17
Moderation
- T. Dax (BAB),
- María del Mar Delgado-Serrano (Université de Cordoba)
Contributions
Developing sustainable value chains for the poorest smallholders: experience and success of the Rural Clustering and Transformation Project in the mountainous regions of northern Montenegro. – I. Jovanovic, Rural Clustering and Transformation Project, Montenegro Abstract Video PowerPoint
From mountain value chain clustering approaches to integrated landscape management: reflection on an innovative framework, tools and strategies to be implemented in the Gora project (Northern Montenegro) – M. Peltier, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Italy Abstract Video PowerPoint
The chestnut flour value chain and its role in the valorisation of Alta Versilia – M. Colabianchi, T. Alalli, F. Felici, M. Moretti, G. Brunori, University of Pisa, Italy Abstract Video PowerPoint
Assembling whisky production and consumption for rural resilience: A value chains case study in Speyside, Scotland – S. Flanigan, K. Blackstock, R. Creaney, J. Hopkins, K. Matthews, D. Miller, James Hutton Institute, Scotland Abstract Video PowerPoint
Visits
Schedule 8 00 to 10 00
Responsible
- Isabel Marin
- Marco Trentin
Schedule 10 00 to 12 00
Responsible
- Isabel Marin
- Marco Trentin
Click here to access the video of the visit
Framework and Objectives
Mountains are places with constraining geomorphological and climatic characteristics. Therefore, the development of human activities is always a challenge, and this is particularly true for the agricultural sector (Schild et al., 2011; Bentivoglio 2019). Thus, the difficulty to work in this landscape, the loss of connection with local resources, the change of lifestyle, and the search for better work opportunities have often led the inhabitants of mountain villages to move down to the valleys and urban centers (Bentivoglio 2019). This trend of abandonment of mountain regions transforms the activities of the affected areas and redesigns the composition of the landscapes and the functions of the ecosystems present (Mottet, 2005).
Moreover, many mountain territories are newly weakened by the effects of climate change. Extreme climatic phenomena jeopardise the delicate balance between human activities and the environment. However, the biophysical characteristics and biodiversity typical of these territories make mountains extremely rich in resources and a cradle of historical technical and social traditions (Roque et al., 2006; Cayre et al., 2018; Bovolenta et al., 2008). The agriculture practiced in these areas is also imbued with unique knowledge specific to this environment and contributes strongly to the sustainability of these territories (McMorran et al., 2015; Santini et al., 2013). Where the food value chains resulting from this mountain agriculture have been able to remain alive, traditional agricultural and gastronomic knowledge is being revalued, and the local economy and tourism is being strengthened while guaranteeing the proper management of landscapes, the preservation of biodiversity and the production of ecosystem services (D’Ottavio et al., 2018; Revoredo-Giah et al., 2010). Some mountain territories seize the constraints to resist better and innovate to guarantee the sustainability of local value chains (Bazin and Roux, 1996).
The workshop proposes investigating the perspectives of different geographical areas covering traditional and innovative mountain territories (Northern Europe, Mediterranean basin and other continents) and opening up arenas for discussion on the importance of technological tools and governance instruments to revitalise these unique territories.
The aim is to provide answers to the central question proposed: in the context of the climate crisis, what technological tools and governance approaches should be implemented to promote the development of new localised economies and make mountain regions resilient and attractive.
The workshop expects presentations on the knowledge and initiatives related to such issues. In addition, stories of ongoing projects as well as proposals for future development and operational recommendations are welcome.