Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 23
Science Networks for Global Change
in Mountain Regions: The Mountain Research
Initiative
Astrid Björnsen Gurung
Abstract
The Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) promotes and coordinates
research on global change in mountain regions around the world. In its 8 years
of existence it has actively participated in the design of the international research
agenda. The Global Change and Mountain Regions (GLOCHAMORE) Research
Strategy, a product stemming from an FP6 Support Action, is at the core of the
MRI. It identifies gaps and formulates priorities for future activities in mountain
research. Through its regional networks MRI catalyzes the interdisciplinary research
described in the GLOCHAMORE Strategy. Within the European network, the recent
establishment of the Science for the Carpathians (S4C) initiative is an encouraging
signal for the strong will and interest of research communities to steer mountain
research towards international and interdisciplinary collaboration. Mountain scien-
tists working in the Balkan Region could take the Carpathian initiative as an example
to build up a science network in and for Southeastern Europe.
Keywords
Global change
·
Mountains
·
Science networks
·
Europe
·
Research
coordination
23.1 Origin of the Mountain Research Initiative
The International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) workshop on moun-
tains held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1996, set the first milestone in the history of the
Mountain Research Initiative (MRI). The workshop report highlighted that moun-
tain systems are at risk and need special attention, in particular with respect to the
possible impacts of global change. It pointed out the need of intensified, collab-
orative and coordinated research to be fostered through an international research
programme (Becker and Bugmann,
1997
).
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