Private

FS 3.107

Urban networks in mountain regions from a global perspective

Details

Full Title
FS 3.107: Mountain cities
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Markus Lambracht
Co-Conveners
Andreas Haller,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
---
Thematic Focus
Policy, Socio-Ecology, Sustainable Development, Tourism
Keywords
urban montology, spatial development, settlement systems, landscape change

Description

Urban networks play a crucial role for spatial development in mountain regions. Efficient settlement systems are an important basis for a good quality of life. Effective spatial organization of urban functions can improve overall economic, social and environmental development. However, research in this field remains limited. Our session aims to explore the relevance of cities and towns within their settlement systems for sustainable mountain development in both the global North and South (e.g. Andes, Carpathians, Caucasus, European Alps, Hindu Kush Himalaya, Rocky Mountains). We aim to address significant research gaps related to comparative perspectives on urban networks, highlighting mountain-specific challenges that are key to an economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally balanced development. We welcome contributions that discuss relevant research questions with a focus on mountain cities. The characteristics of mountain settlement systems provide an important framework for balancing competing sectoral interests, including tourism, biodiversity, and infrastructure development. Challenges posed by relief and altitude, demographic change, and cross-border barriers further complicate spatial development efforts. Session papers should address spatial development from a mountain urban network perspective such as rural-urban linkages or urbanization dynamics. This session aims to foster an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue that contributes to a global knowledge base on cities and towns in mountain settlement systems.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.8384

How do mountain huts, mountain trails and rock-climbing areas contribute to sustainable livelihood of cities and villages in rural mountain areas, in the alps.

Andreas Aschaber

Abstract/Description

Mountain huts, trails across the mountains and rock-climbing areas are an important part of supporting the sustainable livelihoods of cities and villages in rural mountain regions by encouraging eco-tourism, conserving cultural heritages and enhancing the local economy. These infrastructures make mountain regions accessible for leisure activities and bring in outdoor enthusiasts; Hence hiking, climbing and mountaineering creates business such as local accommodations, restaurants, shops and guides. Thus, supporting the economic development of remote mountain areas, which may otherwise provide limited resources in order to maintain a decent living. Furthermore, mountain huts are an important asset in the growth of eco-tourism and the appropriate use of natural resources. They provide vital facilities to hikers and climbers while also helping to preserve the natural environment by promoting sustainable behavior and providing information on nature aspects of the region. A considerable number of mountain huts are powered by green technologies, and are manged in a sustainable manner. When properly maintained and controlled, mountain trails and rock-climbing areas minimize environmental impacts by directing tourists from sensitive habitats and supporting conservation efforts. Furthermore, these outdoor destinations are intimately associated with the cultural and social lives of rural mountain people. Local people are often involved in guiding, feeding, designing, and owning craft and accommodation, while retaining and demonstrating their culture to the visitors. This link enhances the cultural as well social capital and enhances the social relations between the local population and the visitors. In this way, mountain huts, mountain trails, and rock-climbing areas contribute not only to the economic development of rural mountain areas but also support sustainable livelihoods goals on a broader aspect as integrating environmental protection, cultural preservation, and social well-being for both locals and visitors.

ID: 3.9030

Settlement Systems in Mountain Regions: A Research Gap?

Dominik Bertram
Lambracht, Markus; Chilla, Tobias

Abstract/Description

Cities and their networks play a significant role in spatial development. This holds true for settlement systems in general, and there is no reason that this should differ in mountain contexts. However, research on this subject is scarce, and it remains a relatively niche topic. Against this background, our paper presents a scoping review of settlement systems in mountain regions, reflecting on thematic foci, temporal developments, and regional differences in the global scientific debate. The results show that the scientific discourse has been a rather Eurocentric debate of modest intensity for several decades. The discussion has become more intense in the past decade because of a substantial number of contributions on Asia. Our findings suggest that the current academic debate does not fully address the potential of settlement systems for sustainable spatial development in mountain areas. Recent articles have been predominantly based on improved data availability and methodological innovation, often in the form of case studies. We conclude that a significant research gap exists in terms of comparative perspectives on settlement systems in mountain regions.

ID: 3.9100

Mapping Vertical Urbanisms: A Spatial Analytics Approach to Defining Mountain Accessibility

Olivia Poston

Abstract/Description

As cities across the globe contend with the pressures of climate adaptation and urban expansion, mountain settlements remain an under-theorized yet critical site of inquiry. Existing urban analytic tools are ill-equipped to capture the realities of high-altitude environments, where extreme topography, fragmented infrastructure, and seasonal weather pattern instability shape daily life. Standard methodologies of defining accessibility and centrality flatten the terrain, erasing the lived complexities of access, mobility, and infrastructure strain in mountain cities.

This project develops a spatial benchmarking tool that foregrounds terrain-sensitive urban analytics, integrating architectural, ecological, and geospatial methodologies to re-map accessibility in topographically extreme environments. By embedding verticality into urban analysis, this tool resists the assumptions of conventional spatial models, exposing the fractures in access to key amenities such as healthcare, transit, and economic hubs. Beyond a diagnostic instrument, this platform aims to invite a broader cross-city dialogue, where mountain cities can compare and adapt strategies for more resilient urban futures.

Positioned at the intersection of urban theory, spatial justice, and digital infrastructure, this research makes a case for rethinking how cities are measured, compared, and understood in the context of extreme mountainous landscapes. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this work aims to reshape the discourse on mountain urbanism, bridging data-driven analysis with the material and lived realities of high-altitude cities.

ID: 3.10124

Fundamental elements of a mountain cities development strategy. Case study: Vatra Dornei municipality

Daniela Antonescu

Abstract/Description

Development strategy aims to study and regulate the management processes of a territory and also to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics. It is considered a functional tool for analyzing and evaluating the effects that the specific actions of the different factors involved can have on the territory. SWOT analysis of mountain cities is a strategic planning technique that, on the one hand, evaluates internal and external factors, current and future potential, and, on the other hand, identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This is very important in the formulation and selection of the territorial development strategy, being considered a powerful tool, a guide, with the help of which the decision-making factors and actors involved in local development (authorities, population, universities, research and development companies, innovative clusters, NGOs etc.). The present poster aims to present a theoretical and methodological framework for the SWOT analysis and a practical application aimed at the local economic aspects of the Vatra Dornei municipality. The subject of the analysis is located in the west and south-west of Suceava County, overlapping the intramountain depression of Dornelor.

ID: 3.10127

Basic elements of a mountain cities development strategy. Case study: Broșteni city

Daniela Antonescu

Abstract/Description

Development strategy aims to study and regulate the management processes of a territory and also to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics. It is considered a functional tool for analyzing and evaluating the effects that the specific actions of the different factors involved can have on the territory. SWOT analysis of mountain cities is a strategic planning technique that, on the one hand, evaluates internal and external factors, current and future potential, and, on the other hand, identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This is very important in the formulation and selection of the territorial development strategy, being considered a powerful tool, a guide, with the help of which the decision-making factors and actors involved in local development (authorities, population, universities, research and development companies, innovative clusters, NGOs etc.). The present paper aims to present a theoretical and methodological framework for the SWOT analysis and a practical application aimed at the local economic aspects of the Broșteni city, Romania. The subject of the analysis is located in the west and south-west of Suceava County, overlapping the intramountain depression of Dornelor

ID: 3.10741

Urbanization, verticality, and networks in mountain cities

Domenico Branca
Haller, Andreas

Abstract/Description

In prevailing societal perceptions, mountains are often considered socio-spatial realms distinct from urban areas, frequently characterized as rural or wild landscapes. However, in the context of contemporary “planetary urbanization,” does this perspective remain analytically valid for examining mountainous regions? Do the categories of “wild,” “rural,” and “urban” continue to serve as useful structural and functional constructs for investigating current socio-spatial processes in these areas? What unique urban characteristics delineate such regions? Employing a theoretical framework that synthesizes the concepts of planetary urbanization and verticality and drawing upon case studies from both the Global North and South, this paper aims to investigate, through the lens of urban montology—the sustainability-focused, transdisciplinary study of urbanizing mountain environments—the interconnections between rural and urban spheres across varying altitudinal gradients. Given the distinctive features of elevation and terrain configuration, the infrastructural, demographic, economic, and sociocultural linkages in mountainous areas exhibit numerous particularities. Flows of mountain ecosystem services, cable cars connecting valleys and peaks, vertical spatial mobility of populations, and the intentional promotion of alpine environments and identities to brand mountain cities for investors and tourists are just a few examples highlighting the growing interconnectedness between traditionally “urban” cities and “rural” or “wild” mountain areas. Recognizing these connections is paramount when examining and facilitating the transformation of urbanizing mountain spaces into desirable habitats for both humans and nonhumans.

ID: 3.10767

Socio-environmental risks at stakes when reproducing an urban development model in an Alpine Resort: The Case of Milan-Cortina Winter Games

Luca Bottini
Bernardi, Monica

Abstract/Description

The case of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics represents an interesting phenomenon to be analyzed through an approach that integrates both sociological and environmental dimensions. As the event approaches, it has not been free from controversy regarding its environmental impact on the Alpine area of Cortina and the city of Milan. This contribution aims to examine this large-scale event through the lens of territorial sociology, highlighting the socio-environmental effects that this initiative will have on Milan—already at the center of urban financialization policies—and the environmental implications for the Cortina area. Building on the theoretical framework of socio-ecological systems and environmental justice, the study proposes a preliminary reflection on how the Olympic Games might catalyze territorial transformation, potentially exacerbating socio-spatial inequalities. The emerging paradigm suggests a close connection between Milan’s urban development model and its application to an Alpine context like Cortina. The main risk of this process lies in the uncritical transfer of dysfunctional urban practices from the metropolitan setting (commodification of space, tourism intensification, infrastructural expansion…) to a natural-Alpine environment, without considering the consequences that such an application of models may generate in a fragile mountain ecosystem like Cortina. The contribution underscores the need for adaptive governance models that prioritize ecological sustainability and community resilience in mountain regions. It enriches the broader discourse on mega-events and their impact on peripheral territories, advocating for a critical reassessment of how urban-centric development models are applied in ecologically sensitive areas.

ID: 3.11617

Infrastructure as a process: the production and consumption of ski resorts as urban enclaves in China’s Olympic mountains

Mengke Zhang

Abstract/Description

This presentation investigates the role of ski resorts in driving mountain urbanization, focusing on the case of Chongli, China’s first Olympic mountain city and a co-host of the 2022 Winter Olympics. Located 200 kilometers from Beijing, Chongli was once marked by severe poverty but has undergone a dramatic transformation, with the rapid emergence of nine ski resorts. Originally a Western cultural import, skiing has adapted to Chinese preferences, evolving from a niche, elite activity to a form of mass consumption. Conceptually, I draw on two perspectives. First, resort spaces operate as urban enclaves, anchored in global cultural flows yet distinctly separate from their immediate surroundings. By maintaining strong links to distant metropolises, these enclaves further catalyze extended urbanization in the mountains. Second, I understand ski resorts as social infrastructure, the foundational structure and networks of services and spaces that shape and respond to consumer demand. In Chongli, the resort-led transformation has produced entire ski towns with high-end real estate projects, displacing villages to free up land for large-scale construction. This speculative model has generated the marginalization of local communities and significant financial risk, exacerbated by shifting real estate policies and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the turn toward consumption-oriented development signals a new trajectory for mountain regions, extending discussions of amenity migration and rural gentrification. In the post-Olympic and post-pandemic era, these findings suggest the need for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable strategies of mountain urbanization.

ID: 3.12386

Cultural Models of Urban-Rural Livelihood Mobility in the Appalachian Region of the United States

Lauren Hayes

Abstract/Description

This paper focuses on “thick” urban-rural socioeconomic networks in the mountainous Appalachian region of the United States. Popular media images have long depicted Appalachia as geographically isolated and backwards, while research on the region frequently focuses on its history in rural contexts. Yet most of Appalachia’s population lives on the edges of the mountains in urban or suburban sites—places that have long played an essential role in the economic livelihood of residents. Migration and mobility between rural and urban areas is deeply ingrained in Appalachia’s cultural memory. Rural geography and boom and bust economic conditions related to coal mining, lumber, agricultural cycles, and de-industrialization have necessitated periodic and usually temporary migrations for work outside of the region. Current work opportunities and access to resources, including manufacturing plants, are largely clustered on the metropolitan edges of the region, leading to uneven development and a rural workforce who draws on cultural strategies of livelihood mobility that link rural and urban economies. My anthropological analysis draws on 10 years of ethnographic fieldwork in the Appalachian region to explore geographic, cultural, and economic strategies of mobility. I discuss various models of mobility in which residents engage including: 1) frequent short term moves or long commutes for work as a response to flexible and uncertain labor markets (ex. complex and varied regional work histories), 2) reversible migration that balances urban work with familial obligations to rural homes across space and time (ex. weekday migrants from rural towns who live in camper trailers in cities returning home on weekends), and 3) the cultivation of new ties to urban areas through technological networks (ex. tech jobs that involve work taking place in home rural communities but that connect people to large urban technology hubs within and outside of the region). As Appalachia grapples with its future, I argue that “thick” urban-rural socioeconomic networks (Halperin 1991) sustain the cultural relevance of the region’s rural counties and serve as essential livelihood strategies that allow people to adapt to a changing economy.

ID: 3.13073

World Mountain Cities and their characteristics?

Daniele Ehrlich
Uhl, Johannes; Mari-Riverp, Ines; Kemper, Thomas

Abstract/Description

This study informs on the availability of the Urban Centre Data Base (UCDB; Mari Rivero, 2024); a database of over 11,000 cities of over 50,000 inhabitants each, and their use in locating and quantitatively characterising cities in mountainous regions at global scale. The study also shows locally derived analytics on slope and elevation variations calculated within city perimeters; as well as elevation, slope and land cover in the proximity of cities and settlements, to further characterize mountain city environments and the societal resilience within. The study aims to spur a debate on- how is a mountain city defined? – as different sets of mountain cities can be obtained by intersecting UCDB with different spatial delineations of mountains. By using “The inventory of world mountains ” (Snethlage et al., 2022) we show that different sets of mountain cities can also be generated by changing the spatial selection parameters. We aim to show that the community of mountain researchers and policy makers may customize spatial selection parameters and mountain definitions to obtain a set of mountain cities that best suits the research and policy interests. With local case studies focusing on study areas of 100x100km we aim to show that for every city and location on Earth one can derive analytics that quantify slope and elevation within cities and settlements outlines, as well as elevation, slope and land cover in the proximity of settlements, systematically, quantitatively, and visually-analytically characterizing the interactions of settlement dynamics with the surrounding topography. We will show five case studies to point to the landscape diversity of different mountain cities and show the analytics for explaining that diversity. These local analytics can be of use to to improve our understanding of the resilience of mountain settlements to the impacts of hazards and climate change.

Mari Rivero, Ines; et al. (2024): GHS-UCDB R2024A – GHS Urban Centre Database 2025.

Snethlage, M.A., Geschke, J., Ranipeta, A. et al. A hierarchical inventory of the world’s mountains for global comparative mountain science. Sci Data 9, 149 (2022).

ID: 3.13223

Community Business and Sustainable Mountain Tourism Development: The Case of Hyakubariki in Hakuba Village, Japan

Shumpei Kurosawa
Igarashi, Tougo; Xue, Ziyi; Ueyama, Ryuto; Kumamoto, Sae

Abstract/Description

Background and Objectives:
Since the 2000s, community businesses have played an increasing role in regional revitalization in Japan. One example is Kamacon, a community-driven initiative in Kamakura City close to Tokyo, launched by IT entrepreneurs after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Kamacon fosters local engagement through regular meetings where ideas are shared and developed. This model has expanded to 21 cities as of 2024, but research has largely focused only on Kamakura, necessitating further study on its impact in other areas. Kamacon’s approach aligns with sustainable tourism development, as improving residents’ quality of life also enhances a destination’s appeal. Among the regions adopting the model, Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture is the most reliant on tourism. This study examines the development of Hyakubariki, a Kamacon-style community business in Hakuba, to explore its role in creating a livable and sustainable mountain tourism destination.
Hyakubariki’s Formation and Regional Conditions:
Established in 2015 by three locals inspired by Kamacon, Hyakubariki provides a platform for community-driven projects. Since the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Hakuba Village has faced declining tourist numbers, making resident-driven revitalization crucial. Hyakubariki organizes symposium and networking events, filling a gap in local cross-industry connections. The initiative hosts two meetings annually, drawing around 100 participants, evenly split between locals and newcomers. Attendees include former IT entrepreneurs, investment bankers, and local tourism workers. The diverse backgrounds foster unique ideas and collaborations not typically found in urban settings. Discussions between long-time residents and new arrivals lead to synergistic regional development efforts, from small-scale projects like menu planning for restaurants to larger initiatives such as establishing new schools.
Results and Discussion:
This study identifies three key findings: Hyakubariki meetings strengthen community ties, supporting Hakuba’s development as a tourism destination. Participants leverage the network to advance projects, deepening their regional commitment. Hyakubariki has sparked new business ventures, making it a hub for local innovation. While this research highlights community businesses’ role in mountain tourism but calls for further study on factors shaping livable tourism destinations.

ID: 3.13914

Planning Strategies for Sustainable Livelihoods in Hill Towns: A case of Shimla

Samiksha Dhiman
Ramya, Dr. Sakkeri

Abstract/Description

Hill areas have diverse ecology, harmonious environments, and natural aesthetics, which makes them a desirable place to live. In India, hill towns are majorly experiencing issues such as limited land availability, environmental degradation, disaster vulnerability, and resource constraints. These cities are also under immense urbanization pressure, further increasing the demand to satisfy the economic needs of the growing population. The present study is focused on evaluating the livelihood conditions of Shimla city and aims to formulate planning strategies that promote sustainable livelihoods while balancing economic development and environmental conservation. The research followed a structured approach that includes assessing the existing livelihood status, analysing the Livelihood Assessment Index (LAI) based on human, natural, physical, social, and financial capitals, and measuring the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) through exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indicators to analyse the existing issues and provide strategies which leads to enhance livelihood sustainability in the study area. The study uses a mixed-method analysis with a sample size of 140, determined using Slovin’s formula. The findings reveal that the livelihood satisfaction is lower in the natural and social capital aspects, deriving that the communities have limited access to land and less involvement of local administration. In this regard, a set of planning strategies has been formulated to achieve sustainable livelihood in the study area.

FS 3.100: The impact of climate change on mountaineering and how it affects hiking trails, mountain huts and rock climbing areas and solutions for adaptions

FS 3.108: Glacier modelling and downstream impacts

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

FS 3.107

Urban networks in mountain regions from a global perspective

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Location

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

About us

Share this content

General Info

General Info

Get in contact

Personal Details

Address

Preferences