Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
policies are largely externally driven, they need to be recognized as equal part-
ners in development, a strategy that requires decentralization, the building of
local institutions, recognition of local rights to natural resources, and platforms/
networks to give a “voice” to mountain populations;
2. Restitution for goods and services rendered to surrounding areas: Starting
by defining the rights and obligations of mountain communities to natural re-
sources, political discussion is needed to establish their rights to be com-
pensated for the goods and services they contribute downstream—literally or
figuratively—and compensatory mechanisms (e.g., investment and compensa-
tion funds, subsidies, royalties, taxes) need to be developed and implemented;
3. Diversification and the benefit of complementarities: Multifunctionality has long
been a key principle of mountain economies, providing stability in marginal en-
vironments. Modernization, leading to monofunctionality, is often not realistic,
so that policies should build on the strength of diversified systems with charac-
teristics including the use of land at different altitudes over the year; the pro-
duction, processing, and sale of quality products; decentralized infrastructure;
complementary income from different sectors (e.g., agriculture, small industry,
tourism); and seasonal migration;
4. Taking full advantage of the local potential for innovation: If employment and
income opportunities are unavailable, the younger and more innovative people
leave. To foster innovation, both basic education and targeted education that is
both based on the needs of mountain areas and takes into account developments
in the wider world are needed; curricula should be developed jointly by both
local and external individuals and institutions, both public and private. To retain
trained people, both basic and financial and business-related services must be
available;
5. Cultural change without loss of site-specific knowledge: Mountain cultures have
always been changing; the challenge is how to allow exposure to new ideas
while avoiding tension, conflict, and the loss of long-held values and practices
relevant to SMD. Governments can officially recognize the value of cultural di-
versity and strengthen mountain societies through sectoral policies, opportunit-
ies for self-determination, and awareness raising;
6. Conservation of mountain ecosystems and early warning function: The steep
altitudinal gradients of mountain areas are reflected in their high biodiversity;
but this also makes them vulnerable to global change, including both climate
change and changes resulting from local human activities. Conservation and de-
velopment should be undertaken jointly. Mountain ecosystems are also unique
because they occur in all of the Earth's climatic zones, and thus provide a global
early warning system for global change;
7. Institutionalizing sustainable development of mountain areas: National-level in-
stitutions need to be established in order to develop and implement sectoral
and/or integrated policies that support SMD through means including broad
stakeholder involvement, exchange of information, and awareness raising (Fig.
12.18).
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