Project overview
From the Alps to the Carpathians – strengthening governance models for sustainable development of mountain areas in Central Europe
The Alps and Carpathians are important natural corridors that connect many central European countries. Unfortunately, cooperation across borders often lacks a joint vision in mountain areas. To change this, the Central Mountains project designed and implemented a joint strategy and regional action plans to create amongst others cross-border functional areas. By improving governance structures, processes and operations, the partners sustainably improved cooperation among Alpine-Carpathian regions.
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2,33m €
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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7
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Countries
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10
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Regions
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11
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Partners
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6
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
About the project
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
Rzeszów County
Jednostka samorządu terytorialnego (a local government unit)
Project partner
Institute for Regional Development
6800 Feldkirch
Roadmap
Why do mountain regions need stronger cooperation?
Mountain areas have unique characteristics and face common challenges. Even well-developed mountain regions such as the Alps are diverse and experience economic and demographic disparities, while others, such as the Carpathians and the Sudetes, are more peripheral. At the same time, all mountain regions share valuable natural and cultural heritage and significant development potential. The CENTRAL MOUNTAINS project brought together partners from across Central Europe to strengthen cooperation and support the sustainable development of mountain areas through practical governance solutions.
The challenge
Mountain regions such as the Alps, Carpathians and Sudetes often extend across national borders, making effective cross-border and transnational cooperation essential. Strong cooperation is needed to manage shared natural and cultural resources, support sustainable regional development and involve local communities, including young people, in decision-making. Many of these challenges cannot be addressed by one country alone and require coordinated action across borders.
Our approach
How can mountain regions strengthen cooperation and improve governance to address shared challenges? The project explored practical governance approaches that encourage cooperation between public authorities, local communities, businesses and civil society across mountain regions.
What we delivered
The project developed and tested practical governance models that strengthen cooperation in mountain areas across Central Europe, with a particular focus on cross-border and transnational collaboration. These approaches resulted in a Joint Strategy, four Action Plans, three Toolboxes and six Pilot Actions that provide practical guidance for public authorities, regional organisations and local stakeholders.
Lasting impact
The project strengthened long-term cooperation between public authorities, civil society organisations, businesses and local communities across participating mountain regions. Partners tested new governance approaches, established cooperation structures and developed practical tools and recommendations that remain available after the project. These results can continue to support sustainable mountain governance, cross-border cooperation and regional development beyond the project lifetime.
News
Events
Pilot actions
Outputs
Joint Strategy for Participatory Governance in Central European Mountain Areas
Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Carpathians
Action Plan for the Future Development of Alpine Pearls EGTC
Action Plan for Citizen Participation in the Carpathians
Action Plan for Public-Private Cooperation in the Sudetes
Toolbox for Citizen and Youth Participation in Mountain Areas
- Toolbox for Citizen and Youth Participation in Mountain Areas
- Questionnaire for Simulation Games
- Youth Participation Canvas Simulation Games
- School Participation Worksheet (EN translation)
- Padlet Template for Building Trust
- Semi-Structured Interview for Network Evaluation
- Design Thinking Template for Youth Engagement
- Needs Assessment Survey for Community Ownership
Toolbox for Transnational Long-Term Cooperation in Mountain Areas
Toolbox for Cross-Border Cooperation Structures
Project videos
Central Mountains
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