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FS 3.238

Inclusive and sustainable livelihoods in mountains

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FS 3.161: Inclusive and sustainable Livelihoods in the mountains: an assessment of strategies and approaches from the Highland3 project
FS 3.186: Methodologies and ethical considerations in international mountain research
FS 3.218: Communication in mountains

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Full Title
FS 3.238: Transdisciplinary collaborations, methodologies, and ethical considerations in international mountain research
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Gillian Bowser
Co-Conveners
Miguel Sanches, Marie Houdart, Luis Santos, Shai Andre Divon, Ilinca Valentina Stoica, Julio Silva, Bobby Macaulay, Fernando Ruiz Peyré, Francois Tourrand,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
Adaptation, Architecture, Spatial Planning, Sustainable Development
Keywords
sustainable, inclusive, livelihoods, review

Description

Highland regions, incorporating plateaus, alpine systems, mesas, and similar landscapes, are home to vital ecosystems and provide numerous goods and services for local communities and stakeholders. However, these areas often lack evidence-based models and tools applicable for sustainable local development, and such data is vitality needed to inform both sustainable development as well as associated research activities. Here we explore collective and impact-driven research and communication on a variety of activities, local livelihoods, tourism, and environmental responses in the mountains, using mixed methods based in qualitative and quantitative research approaches. We will review lessons learned from communities and research teams working towards sustainable livelihoods in highlands and explore overarching and transferable ideas through co-created visions of inclusive and sustainable development in the highlands that can be communicated to a range of stakeholders. For example, inclusive and ethical research approaches incorporate choices made regarding what, where and how to conduct research on different livelihoods in mountains from tourism to sustainable agriculture and such choices have significant impact on the types and quality of evidence available, as well as the experiences of the subjects (local residents for example) of that research. All of this has implications for what conclusions are derived and the ethical considerations for researchers and stakeholders, including mitigating risks from the data collection itself, to promote inclusive and sustainable approaches to mountain research.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.8170

Integrated Approaches to Safeguarding Highlands Through Tourism

Richard Nyoni
Ruiz-peyre, Fernando; Mwangomba, Ipyana

Abstract/Description

Even though highlands play a critical role in provision of ecosystems services, their state is under threat due to natural factors and human factors. Indeed, climate change and variability is a significant driver of landscape transformation. However, the impact of human factors is immense that highlands landscape have been altered posing a threat to its functions. The impact of highland degradation is even worse in low-income countries where majority of people largely depend on natural resources for livelihoods. Despite the massive degradation, the allure of its breathtaking landscapes and unique ecosystems presents a peculiar scenario with potential to draw tourists. Using a case study of Uzumara Forest Reserve (under co-management arrangement) located in Malawi, a low-income country Central Africa but possessing unique biodiversity, the study explores how tourism can be used to promote conservation of the forest. The study further explores how other initiatives can be integrated with tourism and conservation to protect the highlands which has unique features using participatory methods.

ID: 3.9694

Developing Principles for Digitally-Enabled Uplands Research

Richard Heeks

Abstract/Description

This presentation explores the evolving landscape of digitally-enabled uplands research, proposing the potential development of principles to guide responsible and context-sensitive approaches. A systematic literature review highlights how digital technologies—ranging from GIS and remote sensing to machine learning and sensor networks—are increasingly shaping uplands research. However, while these tools offer new insights into environmental dynamics, there is a need to move beyond a purely technical focus. The proposed principles emphasise interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that natural and social sciences inform research design. They also advocate for meaningful engagement with uplands communities, incorporating local knowledge alongside digital data to provide more holistic insights. Additionally, we highlight the importance of ethical data practices, including considerations of access, consent, and equity in the use of digital technologies. Rather than viewing digital tools as neutral or universally beneficial, this framework promotes a nuanced, justice-oriented perspective that acknowledges both opportunities and challenges. By grounding digitally-enabled uplands research within the socio-ecological realities of upland regions, these principles aim to enhance its impact, ensuring that knowledge production serves both academic and local needs. This work contributes to ongoing discussions on the role of digital technologies in mountain research and sustainable development.

ID: 3.11420

Communication Design in Trekking: Practical Study and Analysis of Media in the Region of Galicia

Miguel Sanches
Silva, Júlio; Santos, Luís

Abstract/Description

Mountain trekking requires effective communication to ensure safety, orientation and enrich the user experience. This study investigates the role of communication design in the development of tools and support materials, through a practical and exploratory approach carried out over the course of a month in the Galicia region. Different communication supports used on various trails were analysed − from digital tools (mobile apps, websites, social networks) to physical materials (signage, information panels, leaflets and guides). The methodology involved observing and evaluating the supports directly on the trails in a real-life context, examining their applicability, clarity and relevance. The results allow us to reflect on the effectiveness of communication systems and the importance of design in creating solutions that improve the orientation, accessibility and experience of trekkers.

ID: 3.11436

Echoes of the Forgotten: Resilience of Isolated Mountain Communities

Júlio César Silva
Sanches, Miguel; Santos, Luis; Carmo, Ana; Simões, Jorge; Silva, Silvio; Rosa, Manuel

Abstract/Description

Historical and cultural documentaries are more than mere records of the past; they serve as vital tools for understanding and connecting with cultures in our rapidly changing world. “Echoes of the Forgotten” investigates the traditions and experiences of isolated mountain communities, whose cultural identities face the threat of erasure. By capturing their stories, this documentary preserves invaluable historical records that offer insights into the richness of human experience. Through personal interviews, archival footage, and striking visuals, the documentary unveils the lives of communities silenced by history, highlighting the importance of cultural memory. It emphasizes the power of documentaries in educating viewers about complex social issues and fostering empathy towards marginalized groups. As dominant narratives often obscure underrepresented voices, this work brings attention to those narratives at risk of being lost, empowering communities to reconnect with their heritage and pass down their knowledge to future generations. As the world races towards progress, “Echoes of the Forgotten” poses a critical question: what do we lose when we forget the past? By prompting viewers to reflect on memory, identity, and the human cost of societal advancement, this documentary not only preserves cultural heritage but also encourages a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of diverse societies. Through critical engagement with these histories, viewers are invited to scrutinize current social and political landscapes, nurturing a more informed and empathetic global community.

ID: 3.11530

Youth Needs Analysis in Bergama Mountain Villages (Izmir/Turkey) and Tourism’s Place in Sustainable Future Awareness

Arife Karadag
Ataberk, Emre; Baykal, Füsun

Abstract/Description

Demographic, cultural and socio-economic depopulation, migration, ageing, quality of life and youth issues in mountain regions are part of the global agenda. The aim of this study was to identify the needs and expectations of young people living in the mountain villages of Bergama and to learn about their awareness of a sustainable future. There are four factors that motivated us to carry out this study: The migration of young people from mountain villages; the need for tourism in the development of mountain villages; the emphasis on youth in the International Mountain Day 2024; the fact that a survey study with wide participation was conducted in Europe entitled “Being Young in the Mountains”. The study has a qualitative design consisting of a comprehensive needs analysis, a problem-oriented field study and a social comparison. Needs analysis is the preferred tool for identifying needs in order to improve the current situation. Among the techniques used in the needs analysis, in-depth oral interviews were preferred here. Ethics committee approval was obtained for the interviews. Oral interviews were conducted with fifty-one young people in ten mountain villages in Bergama. In the interviews, eight groups of questions were asked to the participants face-to-face using a semi-structured technique. The key concepts of the questions are: need, problem, expectation, vision, awareness, innovation, entrepreneurship and tourism. Maxquda software was used to analyse the data and comments were made through content analysis. According to the findings; basic services such as roads, internet, health centre are quite inadequate in the villages, there are no non-agricultural employment opportunities and the income from agriculture and livestock is very low. For this reason, it is inevitable that young people leave their villages and it becomes impossible for them to return. On the other hand, it has been shown that they can live in their villages and make a living.

ID: 3.11570

Enhancing Science Communication in the Highlands EU Project: Audiovisual Media and Digital Platforms for Effective Dissemination

Júlio César Silva
Sanches, Miguel; Santos, Luis; Simões, jorge; Silva, Silvio; Rosa, Manuel

Abstract/Description

The Highlands EU research project focuses on Initiatives of Sustainable Development in Highlands (ISDH), and community engagement within highland regions. One of the key strategies for disseminating the project’s findings is through audiovisual communication, which simplifies complex scientific concepts and makes them accessible to a wider audience. Videos, documentaries, infographics, and other visual formats are utilized to illustrate the project’s research outcomes, highlighting its relevance for both local communities and the broader public. Digital distribution platforms—such as YouTube, social media, and streaming services—play a pivotal role in the dissemination of the Highlands EU project’s findings. These platforms enable global outreach, real-time updates, and direct audience engagement, which help researchers and stakeholders interact with the public and foster dialogue. The flexibility of audiovisual formats ensures that scientific data is presented in ways that are engaging and understandable for diverse audiences, including non-experts and younger generations. This study examines how the Highlands EU research project has leveraged audiovisual media and digital platforms to enhance public engagement, accessibility, and awareness of the project’s goals and outcomes, thus proposing new techniques to maximize reach. By strategically planning content and collaborating with communication professionals, the project could maximized its impact, demonstrating the value of digital tools in advancing science communication and fostering broader public understanding of sustainability issues.

ID: 3.11604

Sustainable Hiking Trail Management an assessment approach

Miguel Sanches
Santos, Luís; Silva, Júlio; Rosa, Manuel; Simões, Jorge; Silva, Sílvio

Abstract/Description

Hiking is one of the least invasive nature-based tourism activities in protected areas (PAs). When properly managed, it offers minimal environmental impact while enhancing visitor experiences. However, issues such as trampling, overtourism, and habitat degradation can threaten both sustainability and conservation goals. With the increasing popularity of PAs, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing trail conditions and visitor impacts has become essential for effective planning and management.

This study proposes an integrated methodology to evaluate hiking trails by combining GPS tracking with analytical tools to assess both trail structure and visitor behaviour. Using Kobotoolbox freeware, an online questionnaire was implemented along the trek, generating a risk assessment matrix. The methodology was tested in Spain and Cape Verde, allowing for a comparative analysis of trail degradation, safety risks, and user interactions with the environment.

The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between the structural network (trail conditions) and the functional network (visitor usage patterns). The results provide insights for optimising trail planning, ensuring safe visitor experiences, and reducing environmental degradation. From a management perspective, this methodology presents a scalable tool for assessing and improving trail conditions in outdoor recreational sites, supporting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

ID: 3.12462

Socio-economic changes and their impact in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania)

Ilinca Valentina Stoica
Zamfir, Daniela; Gavrilidis, Athanasios-Alexandru; Radulescu, Daniel

Abstract/Description

Mountain regions are recognised as a specific type of territory at the European Union level in the context of cohesion policy, necessitating the development of tailored policies through a place-based approach. To achieve this objective, assessing local characteristics is essential, particularly since many mountainous areas have not been thoroughly investigated. This study focuses on the Carpathian Mountains, which cover 28% of Romania’s territory and extend over 910 km, representing 54% of the entire mountain range. Following the dismantling of the communist regime after 1989, Romania underwent significant socio-economic transformations, with mountainous areas being among the most affected, facing challenges such as accessibility issues and a reliance on the exploitation of natural resources. To capture these developments, this study will be conducted in two phases: the first phase will analyse the socio-economic transformations across the entire mountain range, while the second phase will involve a case study of one of the most impacted areas for a more in-depth analysis. This area is located in the Western Carpathians, experiencing multiple transformations amid the decline and even closure of some mining activities, the declaration of a mining area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, and the development of tourist activities in some parts. The results highlight multiple territorial discrepancies in the Carpathian Mountains, with some areas that are flourishing while others are on a downward spiral of depopulation and economic decline. The findings reveal a complex scenario in the Western Carpathians area, with demographic decline and the growing diversification of economic activities, particularly in the tertiary sector. Some local communities consist of generations of miners who are now transitioning to employment in the hospitality industry and nature conservation activities. On the other hand, the formation of new landscapes within mountain ecosystems is highlighted, many of which feature unmanaged extensive brownfields and contaminated sites.

ID: 3.12892

Stakeholders’ fatigue and the problem of “too much [research], too little [giving back]” in action research in the mountains

Chi Huyen (Shachi) Truong

Abstract/Description

Over the past decade, inter- and transdisciplinary methodologies that approach research problems from both natural and social sciences and integrate qualitative and quantitative methods have been taken up by action research in mountainous areas in the world. Research tools adapted from the rapid rural appraisal toolkit, such as transect walks, focus group discussions, mapping, etc., would require intensive interaction with local communities. In a mountainous context, community sampling is often influenced by accessibility, and as a result, some communities might have been selected as samples for too many research projects. How would members of these over-researched communities feel about being over-engaged? To what extent the research outcomes were subsequently triangulated with them and the final findings and recommendations eventually communicated with them? Were they able to make use of the research findings to make their own decisions, or did they benefit from the research in any possible ways? This paper i) reviews the existent literature from the Hindu Kush Himalayas to find answers to some of these questions; ii) presents some alternatives; and iii) discusses practical pathways to address the ethical challenges of action research.

ID: 3.13027

Glacier Ecosystem Services: Systematic analysis of contribution of glaciers to the water, energy & food security in dry and arid Lahaul Valley in Western Himalayas

Tejal Shirsat
Scott, Christopher

Abstract/Description

Glaciers play a critical role in supporting ecosystems and human communities, particularly in mountainous regions & downstream areas in Himalayas, Alps, Andes and other mountain ranges worldwide. These ice reservoirs provide a broad spectrum of glacier ecosystem services (GES) such as water supply for irrigation, hydropower generation, domestic use, streamflow regulation, spirituality & aesthetic values. Glacier meltwater forms a key component on the water and sustains ecosystem functions and requirements of local communities directly or indirectly. Ubiquitously observed glacier mass loss due to warming climatic conditions have already been observed to disrupt these essential services. Therefore, this study aims to systematically analyze the contribution of glaciers and glacier meltwater in supporting water and energy and food security using qualitative methods, GIS and modelling techniques. We present the conceptual framework of quantifying GES using ecosystem services framework and multi-decision-making techniques embedded in GIS and showcase a case study in dry and arid and heavily glacierized Lahaul Valley in Western Himalayas. The study will present the first of its kind analysis of the various ecosystem services supported by glaciers, which will aid in creating a better resource and knowledge base in other glacier-dependent regions and will aid in glacier related adaptation strategies that may be planned in the future.

ID: 3.13161

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change on the Provisioning Ecosystem Services of Mountain Glaciers

Zeeshan Virk

Abstract/Description

Glaciers play a crucial role in provisioning ecosystem services for many mountain communities worldwide. Fundamental systems of water, food, and energy in these communities heavily depend on glacier meltwater, which serves as a source of domestic water supply, irrigation for agriculture—often the primary livelihood activity—and high-head reservoirs for hydroelectric energy production. Climate change is accelerating glacier melt globally, but its impacts on associated ecosystem services vary across regions. This variation arises because climate change manifests differently in different regions, and mountain communities derive distinct services from glaciers. To understand the effects of climate change on glaciers and their associated ecosystem services, we examine climate forcings, resulting hydrological changes, and their impacts on dependent systems such as hydropower and agriculture in two case study areas: the Otta River basin in the Caledonian Mountains of Central Norway and the Hunza-Nagar River basin in the Karakoram Mountains of Northern Pakistan. In the Otta basin, we assess how increasing glacial meltwater influences annual energy production using glacier mass-balance modeling in the Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM) coupled with distributed hydrological modeling in the C-WATM model. In the Hunza-Nagar basin, we evaluate the impact of climate change on glacier-fed irrigation systems and associated agriculture through participatory rapid rural appraisal (PRRA), remote sensing-based indicators, and crop modeling of key crops using FAO’s AquaCrop model. Our research underscores the significance of mountain glaciers for mountain communities and provides nuanced insights into their provisioning services for these two glacierized mountainous regions of the world.

ID: 3.13199

Highlands on Islands: An exploratory analysis of the specific needs and characteristics of sustainable development in mountainous islands

Bobby Macaulay

Abstract/Description

Both island and mountainous settings are often considered fragile and in need of specific approaches to their sustainable development and the building of social, economic and environmental resilience. The Highlands.3 project investigated the range and nature of sustainable development initiatives in mountain areas. One of the in-person collaborative fieldwork sessions during the project took place in the mountainous island archipelago of Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa. The research sought to understand the specific initiatives taking place in upland areas, within an island setting. This presentation will outline the theoretical overlaps between sustainable development approaches in mountain and island settings, highlighting convergences and divergences between the two. This research consisted of three sequential scoping reviews, followed by an analysis of empirical data gathered in Cape Verde. The first and second scoping reviews considered the nature of sustainable development in mountain and island settings, respectively, while the third considered literature specifically focusing on mountainous islands. Data relating to the island nature of mountainous areas in Cape Verde was extracted from interviews undertaken there, and synthesised with the theoretical foundation. This research is ongoing and as such no specific results can be reported at this time. It is anticipated that a conceptual understanding of the convergences and divergences of sustainable development approaches in these specific geographies can inform future efforts in designing interventions and initiatives.

ID: 3.18727

Understanding the role and impacts of non-academic actors’ involvement in natural hazard and disaster risk research: Insights from Nepal

Eva Posch

Abstract/Description

Integrated research on natural hazards (NH) and disaster risk (DR) increasingly calls for the participation of non-academic actors. However, choices regarding what, where, and how research is conducted— particularly in relation to the involvement of non-academic actors —significantly shape the type, quality, and impact of knowledge produced. These methodological decisions have critical implications for ensuring both scientific rigor and societal relevance, particularly in mountain regions where local knowledge and stakeholder engagement are essential. This study investigates how non-academic actors contribute to NH/DR research in Nepal, examining their roles, the methods used to engage them, and the impacts generated through their participation. In a first step, a review of primary NH/DR research studies (2000–2022) provides a foundation for analyzing the extent and nature of non-academic actor involvement, including variations in participatory approaches. Building on this, exploratory interviews offer further perspectives on methodological choices, ethical considerations, the expectations and challenges associated with engagement, and the perceived impacts of involvement. Through these analyses, I explore who is involved in NH/DR research and how participation strategies influence knowledge production, shaping both research processes and outputs. While participatory methodologies facilitate collaboration between academic and non-academic actors, ensuring meaningful engagement remains challenging due to barriers such as power imbalances, ethical concerns, and difficulties in integrating diverse knowledge systems. The study highlights the ways in which participation can enhance research impact, particularly in informing policy and practice, but also underscores the need for reflexive approaches that account for unintended consequences such as research fatigue and inequitable distribution of benefits. By critically assessing these dynamics, the study contributes to discussions into best practices for collaboration and participatory approaches, providing insights to enhance research-policy-practice linkages in NH/DR research.

ID: 3.19040

Complex risks from climate extremes to mountain pastoral systems conservation: leveraging community-perceived impacts and satellite remote sensing assessment

Antonio T. Monteiro
Capinha, César; Viana, Claudia; Mendes, Inês; Pietro Fava, Francesco

Abstract/Description

This poster will present the preliminary findings of ExtreMo, a research project in development at the interface between the Atlantic-Mediterranean biogeographical mountain regions of Portugal. ExtreMo focuses on establishing empirical understanding on locally perceived impacts of extreme drought on the productivity and biodiversity of mountain pastoral systems and developing remotely sensed monitoring tools for the continuous evidence-based guidance on the design and implementation of conservation policy action. To do this, it applies interdisciplinary mixed methods. It combines field-quantified understanding from fuzzy cognitive mapping in real-world pastoral systems with high-resolution satellite modelling and mapping of productivity and biodiversity. ExtreMO synthesizes livelihoods, perceived conservation risks to mountain pastoral systems, and improves prediction of conservation risk from extreme climate.

FS 3.512: Turbulent Exchange over varying terrain and ecosystem characteristics

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

FS 3.238

Inclusive and sustainable livelihoods in mountains

New session based on ...

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