FS 3.195: Transformative and Transdisciplinary Collaborations in Mountain Regions

As we face interconnected social and ecological crises, there is a growing demand for transformation toward just and regenerative human-ecosystem relations, supported by transformative knowledge. Many mountain areas are also becoming tourist destinations and resource-intensive regions, justifying large infrastructure projects or economic activities that harm the environment (e.g., GHG emissions, biodiversity loss, hydrological risks) and socio-cultural fabric (e.g., overtourism, gentrification, landscape degradation). Yet, mountain areas often face marginalization in decision-making, leading to power imbalances that subordinate mountain communities. In response, scientists, decision-makers, and civil society increasingly call for action-oriented approaches to tackle interconnected social, climatic, and environmental challenges, bridging science, policy, and practice. Achieving transformative change requires holistic approaches that integrate diverse knowledge systems, foster stakeholder engagement, and co-produce solutions for socio-ecological resilience. This session invites contributions on the means (solutions, methods, actions) and manner (principles, relationships) underpinning transformative change and transdisciplinary collaborations. It welcomes practical and theoretical insights on: 1. Frameworks and practices for integrating diverse knowledge, community-driven climate adaptation, participatory research, and co-designed policies 2. Barriers to addressing challenges, like power imbalances and institutional silos. 3. Future pathways for scaling and sustaining cross-sectoral partnerships in mountain regions.