Private

FS 3.197

Mountain heritage and sustainable tourism

Details

  • Full Title

    FS 3.197: Integrative approaches to cultural heritage and sustainable development: interactions between tourism development and mountain heritage
  • Scheduled

    Talks:
    2025-09-16, 16:00 - 17:30 (LT), SOWI – UR 3
  • Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

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  • Thematic Focus

    Culture, Resources, Sustainable Development, Tourism
  • Keywords

    Tourism, Cultural heritage, Sustainability, Food systems

Description

Tourism is a key driver of change in mountain areas worldwide. Unique cultural heritage of the mountains is an important resource to increase tourism attractiveness and sustain local communities. At the same time, unsustainable tourism development can have drastic impacts on mountain landscapes and communities, threatening cultural identities and traditional values. Better accessibility to mountains due to improved infrastructure and emphasis on the economic benefits of tourism is rapidly reshaping food production systems, livelihoods and natural resource management. Loss of traditional ecological knowledge may have substantial implications for ecosystem health, and hence sustainable tourism development. This session is an opportunity to exchange insights on how tourism can be managed in ways that value the rich cultural heritage of mountains. The session will be co-led by researchers from institutions in the Himalayas and Scottish Highlands, to promote discussion of global synergies, common challenges and creative solutions in distinctive cultural contexts. We address a knowledge gap on the integration of cultural heritage and sustainable development. We welcome interdisciplinary contributions from researchers and practitioners working in mountain areas that consider the inter-relationships between tourism, cultural heritage, natural resources and sustainability. We will focus on the following themes: Influence of tourism on mountain heritage associated with food systems, forestry and water management Values for tangible and intangible cultural heritage in mountains and interactions with tourism Mountain heritage to stimulate circular and regenerative tourism

Registered Abstracts

ID: 3.8366

Culture matter! The change of the sustainable development systems in the mountain regions, the threats and challenges. A case study of the Polish Tatra and Zakopane region

Cezary Kościelniak

Abstract/Description

Mountain regions face the need to reformulate sustainable development systems. In the last decade, exploitation pressure in mountain regions has increased, mainly the inclusion of unique nature into the mass tourism system on the one hand, while on the other hand, ecological awareness, nature protection and the need to preserve heritage have also increased. There is a need to build new cultural resilience in mountain areas, as a factor of a new sustainable development system in the mountains. Cultural resilience in the mountains is understood as a holistic integration of the cultural and natural heritage into the development system. Development threats to mountain areas are as follows: urban deculturalization of the mountain cities, by the large hotel investments, overtourism disturbing the ecosystem, trivialization of cultural localism. The challenges are to build cultural resilience of mountain areas, which would also become part of sustainable tourism in the mountains. Using the case of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane as an example, the possibilities of building a cultural resillience in the context of tourism are presented. The case study presents: the potentials for “slow-tourism” routes, integrations the routes with the existing architectural and industrial monuments, as well as, the inclusion of the literary and philosophical heritage of the Tatra Mountains. These aspects are indicating the inclusion of culture in the processes of the changing the system of sustainable development in the mountains.

ID: 3.11562

Impact of Tourism on Changing Dynamics of Local Food Systems of Murree, Pakistan

Adnan Dogar

Abstract/Description

Mountain agriculture is essential for sustaining local food systems, preserving biodiversity, and supporting rural livelihoods. However, the rapid expansion of tourism in Murree has significantly impacted agricultural practices and indigenous food systems, that is important part of intangible cultural heritage. Changes in food production, processing, storage, distribution, consumption, and recycling have disrupted rural livelihoods, altered supply chains, diminished traditional knowledge, and influenced consumption patterns. This study investigates these impacts, focusing on two key aspects of food systems: indigenous practices of crop and fruit production, and foraging and wild harvesting. Research will be conducted in the adjacent villages of Numbal and Ausia, located near Murree’s main tourist attractions. Data will be gathered through farm-level surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with key stakeholders. Using thematic analysis, the study will assess shifts in agricultural productivity, market dynamics, and food consumption trends. It will examine how tourism-driven demand influences crop selection, land use, and food pricing, as well as its broader implications for food security and sustainability. The findings will inform policy recommendations aimed at balancing tourism growth with the preservation of mountain agriculture and food heritage, ultimately promoting sustainable development and resilience in Murree’s mountain communities.

ID: 3.11800

Traditional Apiculture in the Mountains: Livelihood Diversification and Evolving Food Systems in Mountain Communities of Galiyat, Pakistan

Abdullah Ijaz
Ijaz, Humna

Abstract/Description

Apiculture plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of mountainous communities in Galiyat, where favourable climatic conditions, diverse flora, and extensive forest cover provide an optimal environment for wild honeybees. Traditionally, beekeeping in the region has centred on the rearing of wild bees, with honey primarily used for household consumption. However, livelihood diversification, driven by various socio-economic and environmental push-and-pull factors, has significantly influenced traditional apiculture. This study, conducted in the villages of Namil Maira and Bagan, examines the impact of livelihood diversification alongside climatic and non-climatic factors on apiculture at the household level. The research explores key questions concerning changes in traditional food systems, the economic contributions of beekeeping, and its role in enhancing community resilience. A qualitative approach is employed, utilizing household surveys, focus group discussions, and expert interviews, with data analysed through thematic analysis. The findings identify key challenges in traditional apiculture, the implications of climate change, and the effects of livelihood diversification. The study provides insights to enhance beekeeping practices by improving techniques, strengthening market linkages, and building local capacity. Ultimately, this research underscores the significance of apiculture in sustaining livelihoods

ID: 3.12308

Analyzing the Complexities of the Food System in a Tourism-Driven Mountain Region: A Study on the Interrelationship Between Tourism and Agriculture in Leh

Chubbamenla Jamir
Bali, Bhawna

Abstract/Description

This research paper examines the intricate relationship between tourism and agriculture within the unique context of Leh, a high-altitude region in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Leh’s harsh cold desert climate, limited vegetation, and short agricultural season present considerable challenges to sustaining its food systems. Despite these adversities, agriculture remains a crucial component of Leh’s economy, with key crops including wheat, barley, apples, apricots, and sea buckthorn. The region’s emergence as a prominent tourist destination has led to significant infrastructural transformations that have had profound implications for local agriculture and food systems. This study seeks to analyze the complexities of these transformations and the interdependencies between tourism and agriculture in Leh. The research employs both secondary data from government reports and primary data collected through household surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions conducted in May–June 2022 and September 2022. A preliminary stakeholder mapping exercise identified various key actors in the tourism and agriculture sectors, including tour operators, restaurant owners, hotel managers, homestay operators, and local farmers. The study’s findings reveal that tourism exerts both positive and negative influences on the region’s agricultural and food systems. While the tourism industry has generated alternative income sources and expanded market opportunities for local produce, it has also intensified pressure on land and water resources, necessitating a careful balance to ensure sustainable development. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and agricultural practices in mountainous regions, underscoring the need for integrated policy frameworks that harmonize tourism growth with sustainable agricultural development.

ID: 3.12620

REGENERATE project: pathways to go beyond sustainability. Experimenting with regenerative tourism approaches in four pilot mountain destinations.

Alessia Fiorentino
Romanin, Valentina; Loreggian, Francesco; Gallo, Diego

Abstract/Description

Tourism represents a key driver of change in mountain areas, offering opportunities for economic development and cultural enhancement while posing significant challenges to environmental and social sustainability. The REGENERATE project aims to promote a regenerative approach to tourism, placing nature, local communities, and cultural heritage at the center, learning from nature itself to create conditions for ecosystems and communities to self-regenerate and thrive. This approach represents a radical paradigm shift that moves beyond the logic of “doing less harm” to embrace holistic impact and regeneration.
The pilot areas involved – Alta Badia, Tarvisiano, Dolomiti Bellunesi in Italy and Nassfeld-Pressegger See, Lesachtal und Weissensee in Austria – are embarking on a path that, starting from the analysis of the environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impact of existing tourism policies, attempts to experiment with new tourism models. The achievement of GSTC certification by many of these destinations demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, but the REGENERATE project pushes further effort, encouraging a tourism system viewed not as an industry, but as a complex and dynamic ecosystem.
The involvement of local communities, particularly young people, represents a key phase of the project. Through capacity building and co-creation processes, REGENERATE fosters innovative, place-based ideas that respond to the specific needs of each territory. Through the adoption of a social innovation approach, the project aims at reinforcing local communities’ sense of ownership of their natural and cultural heritage. In doing so, heritage evolves as a living part of the destination ecosystem. Projects such as the mining heritage trail in Arabba & Colle Santa Lucia, cultural initiatives in green areas in Alta Badia, spaces for young people and tourists to meet in Tarvisio, and creative solutions regarding waste management in Austria embody the vision of tourism supporting the territory, generating lasting economic, social, and cultural value.
At the September conference, REGENERATE will present: the initial results of this journey, emerging ideas from local communities and lessons learned, contributing to the global discussion on how tourism can become a driver of regeneration and well-being for mountain areas, inspiring the transition toward new development paths in regions characterised by diverse exploitation lately.

ID: 3.13218

Cultivating community-led heritage futures for healthy landscapes in the Highlands of Scotland

Rosalind Bryce

Abstract/Description

The Highlands of Scotland are characterised by sustainability challenges common to other rural areas of Europe. These include depopulation, loss of public services, shortage of affordable housing and environmental degradation. The Highlands have also experienced a huge increase in tourism over the last 20 years. While providing economic benefit and development opportunities, the distribution of positive and negative impacts of tourism on communities are unequal with many communities experiencing overcrowding and reduced access to housing.

This study considered how sustainable development in the north-west Highlands of Scotland has been influenced by changing tourism patterns, and how this relationship is mediated by the unique and complex cultural heritage of the region. Place-based interviews and workshops with local communities revealed the multiplicity of their relationships to their landscapes through diverse and plural cultural narratives. The research highlighted cultural heritage as a dynamic and evolving part of contemporary lives and identities, as well as representing traditions and practices of the past with narratives being particularly influenced by a sense of loss characterised by declining cultural practices. A cycle of decline and revival of small-scale food production or ‘crofting’ exemplifies the role of heritage practices in addressing contemporary challenges related to food production and societal connections to land.

As the region grapples with the challenges of an economy now dominated by tourism, this research highlights the need for managers and decision makers to support and regenerate cultural heritage practices that can form part of a more sustainable relationship with tourism, as well as enhancing land use and community development. The research was carried out in the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere which has a community led governance structure and a focus on integrating natural and cultural heritage. Effective community engagement and co-creation are emphasised as important processes to better connect cultural heritage with sustainable landscape management.

ID: 3.13272

Sustaining Indigenous Mountain Cultures in a Changing Economy: A case-study of the Mao-Nagas

Kaini Lokho
Neli, Daili

Abstract/Description

SUSTAINING INDIGENOUS MOUNTAIN CULTURES IN A CHANGING ECONOMY
A CASE STUDY OF THE MAO-NAGAS

* Kaini Lokho,
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
Asufii Christian Institute, Mao, Manipur
Mob: 7005128402, Email: kainilokho@gmail.com
* Dr. Daili Neli,
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology
Asufii Christian Institute, Mao, Manipur
Mob: 9891126618, Email: neli.daili@gmail.com
Abstract

As one of the indigenous groups that inhabits the hills of Manipur in the North-East Region of India, the Mao-Naga Community have close relationship with nature and the environment. The customs and traditions that guide the socialization and governance of the community are directly influenced by the natural cycle and the mountains that surrounds the villages since the time of antiquity. Until a decade ago, agriculture was the community’s primary occupation. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards seasonal farming and alternative economic activities, such as tourism, small-scale trade and wage labour. This transition raises concerns not only about the community’s self-sustaining way of life but also about potential erosion of its cultural heritage and traditional knowledge systems. The change in the climatic conditions is due to deforestation and pollution of the rivers and other infrastructural implementations by the state in pursuit of greater economic engagement with South East countries. As a result, the loss of indigenous knowledge systems that perpetuate sustainable human-nature relationship, that have guided the community agricultural pursuits for centuries are under threat and the rich biodiversity that was protected is now open to destruction in the guise of development without adequate policies that checks and balances. This paper will examine the narratives and life of the community under study and reconcile the development perspective with the preservation of indigenous mountain culture that could promote sustainability.

ID: 3.14629

Distilling at Altitude: Whisky Tourism in the Mountains

Heather Storgaard

Abstract/Description

I will explore how mountainous regions have developed whisky and related tourism to diversify their offerings, bring employment to remote areas and convey local history and heritage to visitors. Drinks production offers a tangible product made from the area’s natural resources, including water. The quality of mountain water has long been associated with the drinks industry and utilised in marketing, selling the idea of a product from untouched nature. In the modern-era, since the 1980s, organised tourism developments associated with distilleries have transformed their economic meaning to local communities. Today, a mountain distillery offers tourists an all-weather activity in otherwise extreme environments. I would like to consider how various diverse mountain communities have developed drinks tourism in distinct ways, from Scotland’s Cairngorms, where whisky is an integral part of the tourist trail, to the Lyng Alps in Norway, where Viking heritage is drawn upon, and the Japanese Akaishi Southern Alps, where traditional craftmanship is utilised in a new form to create whisky and present the region nationally and internationally. I would also like to challenge the idea that heritage in whisky can only be authentic in the Celtic homelands of the spirit by demonstrating innovative ways that local culture has been drawn upon by distilleries to create their products, distilleries themselves and tourism offerings. Finally, a brief examination of migration issues would also be included. Distilleries often have highly specialised, non-local staff, which can cause issues regarding tensions with locals requiring work as well as issues surrounding integration and language learning in remote environments.