FS 3.136: Heritage landscapes in mountains

Worldwide, mountain communities and environments continuously transform under the pressure of local/global processes (i.e., spatial mobility, economic globalization, biodiversity loss, climate change). Abandoned mountain environments, in the Global North and South, are among the most visible signs of changes in territoriality, land use and landscape value. Although they no longer serve the economic needs of a region, these landscapes are often associated with community identity, because they represent traces of the past and vital sources of inspiration for the future. Connecting past, present and future, these heritage landscapes highlight the role of culture as means to attach new functions and values to abandoned mountain environments and as possible resource to sustain community renewal. Examples include not only the inscription of cultural landscapes on the UNESCO World Heritage list, but also the establishment of ecomuseums/community museums and the emergence of grassroot initiatives for sustainable development of mountain areas. This session will explore the life cycle of heritage landscapes in mountains around the world, with a focus on those emerged from the transformation of abandoned environments. We welcome conceptual contributions and case studies that (1) highlight mountain specificities of heritage landscapes, (2) reflect on drivers, factors and actors of heritagisation, and (3) consider perceptions, conflicts and negotiations. We, ultimately, aim to reflect on whether and how the heritagisation of abandoned mountain environments paves the way to cultural sustainability and community renewal.