Mountain regions across Central Europe face complex challenges that cannot be addressed within administrative or national borders alone. Climate change, demographic changes, pressure on natural resources and the need to balance economic development with environmental protection require integrated approaches and stronger cooperation between regions.
To respond to these challenges, the CENTRAL MOUNTAINS partnership developed the Joint Strategy for Mountain Governance, a key project output providing a common framework for improving cooperation and governance in mountain areas across the Alps, Carpathians and Sudetes.
The strategy builds upon extensive research, stakeholder consultations, exchanges of good practices and lessons learned from six Pilot Actions implemented in different mountain regions. It brings together the experience of public authorities, research institutions, regional organisations and local stakeholders involved throughout the project.
The document identifies common challenges affecting mountain governance and presents practical recommendations for strengthening cooperation, improving coordination between different levels of governance and increasing stakeholder participation. It highlights the importance of integrated approaches that connect environmental protection, economic development, social inclusion and innovation.
A key message of the strategy is that successful mountain governance requires flexible cooperation structures adapted to local conditions while also enabling collaboration beyond administrative and national borders. The strategy promotes solutions based on partnership, knowledge exchange and active involvement of communities and organisations working in mountain territories.
The development of the Joint Strategy was supported by the project’s thematic work, including the analysis of previous initiatives, the Transnational Summary Report, study visits, stakeholder involvement activities and the implementation of Pilot Actions. Experiences from Alpine and Carpathian regions helped ensure that the proposed recommendations are practical, transferable and relevant for different mountain contexts.
The strategy is complemented by four Action Plans and three Toolboxes, which provide additional guidance and practical instruments for organisations seeking to strengthen mountain governance and cooperation.
The Joint Strategy for Mountain Governance represents one of the lasting achievements of the CENTRAL MOUNTAINS project. It provides a reference framework for policymakers, regional authorities and stakeholders working towards more resilient, sustainable and better-connected mountain regions across Central Europe.
The strategy and related outputs remain available in the project’s Outputs section and can continue to support future initiatives beyond the project’s lifetime. LINK