People in the Mountains - Mountain Geography: Physical and Human Dimensions - page 534

tributions reflect the multiple and complex interactions of environmental and anthropo-
genic factors. Also, the impacts on people in the mountains are complex and not always
immediately evident. Resource extraction generally is destructive or damaging to loc-
al ecosystems and the services they provide. New forms of economic activities provide
commodities and livelihoods for growing populations within and outside the mountains.
Yet many mountain people remain impoverished, marginalized, and powerless. Finding
a rational balance between the benefits and costs of new developments is difficult, and
requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of the highly diversified, complex, and
dynamic nature of mountain environments and mountain livelihoods.
What, then, are the key issues pertaining to mountains and people in the twenty-
first century? This question has challenged scholars, planners, politicians, administrat-
ors, and activists as the ecological, economic, and social importance of mountain areas
in themselves and beyond has become understood. Risk reduction, participatory gov-
ernance, livelihood and ecological sustainability, and sociopolitical equity are at the core
of twenty-first century issues. Accurate information and knowledge of the geo-ecolo-
gical and socioeconomic conditions and processes operating in and affecting mountain
areas are essential in addressing the issues.
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