FS 3.159: Managing mountain ecosystems in a changing climate: integrating long-term data

Mountain ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, with shifts in biodiversity, ecosystem services, and land use affecting sustainability at local, regional, and global scales. Understanding these changes requires long-term environmental data spanning decades to millennia to analyze trends, patterns, and interactions between ecosystems, climate, and human activities. This session will explore how integrating ecological, climatic, and land-use data with stakeholder knowledge can support the sustainable management of mountain ecosystems. This session aligns with the DiverseK working group under the PAGES initiative. Key questions for the session include: How can long-term ecological data enhance our understanding of mountain ecosystems? What are the long-term effects of climate change and land-use changes on biodiversity and ecosystem services? How can scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders collaborate for sustainable mountain ecosystem management? The session will address: – Current trends in mountain ecosystems including climate impacts on vegetation and forest management – Long-term perspectives of using paleoecology and historical land-use data – Evaluation of adaptive policy scenarios in collaboration with stakeholders The target audience comprises ecologists, paleoecologists, ecosystem modelers, and a range of stakeholders including forest managers, conservation practitioners, policymakers, and businesses. Expected outcomes are strengthened collaborations between researchers and stakeholders, and identification of practical strategies for climate resilience and sustainable land management in mountain regions worldwide.