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Central Mountains

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.

2,33m €

Project Budget

80%

of the Budget is funded by ERDF

Layer 1

7

Countries

10

Regions

11

Partners

6

Pilots

Duration

Start date

End date

Project progress

100%

About the project

First and foremost, the "Central Mountains" project was willing to take advantage of the European community that we are a part of and that enables us to cooperate across a wide range of countries, regions and territories. We believed we have more similarities than differences, and that experiences gained in one territory could be transferred to another. With this ‘open mind‘ approach, the "Central Mountains" project addressed and identified challenges through capitalization, joint strategies, cross-border testing and territorial roll-out. This approach was oriented towards improved governance structures and processes in mountain areas from the Alps to the Carpathians, including the Sudetes. Over time, all the actions undertook within the framework boiled down to a series of paradigms that laid a foundation for enhanced governance. Therefore, the project stays open for mountains areas from outside the Alps and the Carpathians as well.

Project partnership

Project partners

Polska (PL)

Lead partner

Rzeszów County

Jednostka samorządu terytorialnego (a local government unit)
Address
Grunwaldzka 15
35-959 Rzeszów
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
www.powiat.rzeszowski.pl

Project partner

Address
Pl. Kilińskiego 2
35-005 Rzeszów
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
https://www.karpacki.pl/
Total partner budget
358,480 €
Address
Bezručova 9
811 09 Bratislava
Country
Slovakia (SK)
Web
www.zmos.sk
Total partner budget
199,200 €
Address
Felvégi 53
3300 Eger
Country
Hungary (HU)
Web
www.karpatokalapitvany.hu
Total partner budget
205,060 €
Address
Zelená 182
251 62 Mukařov
Country
Czechia (CZ)
Web
www.regionalni-znacky.cz
Total partner budget
147,800 €
Address
Jana Kiepury 1/9
58-506 Jelenia Góra
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
www.krajobraz.edu.pl
Total partner budget
149,800 €
Institute for Regional Development
Address
Viale Druso 1
39100 Bolzano/Bozen
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
https://www.eurac.edu/en
Total partner budget
192,110 €
Address
13 13
34170 Gorizia
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.isig.it
Total partner budget
200,360 €
Address
Techendorf 90
9762 Weissensee
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
www.alpine-pearls.com
Total partner budget
208,420 €
Address
Hirschgraben 15
6800 Feldkirch
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
https://www.cipra.org/en/about/people/cipra-international-lab
Total partner budget
200,200 €
Address
Eroilor Blvd 5
500007 Brasov
Country
Romania (RO)
Web
www.judbrasov.ro
Total partner budget
184,000 €

Roadmap

1

Why we are here?

Mountain areas are specific with their own challenges. Even the well-developed Alpes are very heterogeneous with economic and demographic disparities such. These areas may also be very peripheral such as the Carpathians or the Sudetes. But at the same time these are regions with many assets or resources (including natural and cultural heritage). From the Alps to the Carpathians, let's meet, work and cooperate!

2

Specific problem

The Carpathians, Alps and Sudetes are located on border areas the lack of effective cross-border and transnational cooperation. This cooperation is crucial, since it the basis for the proper management of natural or cultural resources, steering the sustainable development of the whole chain of mountain areas and ensuring that the local communities are involved in the process (including youth involvement). Problems related to sustainable development in border areas of the Alps and the Carpathians cannot be solved by one country alone and require cooperation beyond borders.

3

Our idea

What if we could improve the governance models of mountain areas and cross-border cooperation?

4

Our solution

We wanted to strengthen and improve governance models in mountain areas of Central Europe, with particular emphasis on cross-border and transnational cooperation structures in order to solve common challenges for the sustainable development.

5

How was it working?

We achieved long-term, sustainable cooperation across borders in mountain areas. Developing and improving cross-border and transnational cooperation structures was a key element to strengthen regional development and cohesion across borders. These structures will operate without dependence on the project cycles and EU funding.

News

Events

Pilot actions

Outputs

Strategy main page

Joint Strategy for Participatory Governance in Central European Mountain Areas

This strategy provides a shared framework for strengthening participatory governance and cooperation in mountain regions across Central Europe. It offers guidance for involving local communities and stakeholders in sustainable development and cross-border cooperation. Designed for public authorities, regional organisations, NGOs and community groups, the strategy helps mountain regions develop inclusive and long-lasting governance models that remain relevant beyond the lifetime of the project.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Carpathians

This Action Plan supports sustainable tourism development in the Carpathians through stronger cooperation between local authorities, tourism organisations and communities. It provides practical priorities and actions for protecting natural and cultural heritage while improving the attractiveness and resilience of mountain destinations. The recommendations can continue to support tourism planning and cross-border cooperation after the project ends.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Action Plan for the Future Development of Alpine Pearls EGTC

This Action Plan supports the long-term development of the Alpine Pearls EGTC and cooperation among Alpine municipalities and tourism destinations. It provides guidance on governance, partnerships, financing and project development, helping the network continue joint initiatives and sustainable tourism activities beyond the project period.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Action Plan for Citizen Participation in the Carpathians

This Action Plan strengthens citizen participation and community-led development in the Carpathian region. It offers practical recommendations for involving citizens, young people and civil society organisations in decision-making processes and supports more inclusive and transparent governance in mountain areas. The proposed actions can be adapted and used by local and regional stakeholders in the long term.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Action Plan for Public-Private Cooperation in the Sudetes

This Action Plan supports cooperation between public authorities, local businesses, regional product producers and tourism providers in the Sudetes. It presents practical approaches for promoting regional products, developing joint initiatives and strengthening the visibility and competitiveness of mountain areas. The recommendations can support cross-border partnerships and local economic development well beyond the project duration.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Toolbox for Citizen and Youth Participation in Mountain Areas

This toolbox contains practical methods and tools for involving citizens and young people in decision-making processes. It includes templates, facilitation methods and examples that can be used by local authorities, schools, NGOs and community organisations to design participatory activities and strengthen local engagement in mountain regions. The tools are transferable and can be adapted to different territorial contexts.
Type of output: Solutions

Toolbox for Transnational Long-Term Cooperation in Mountain Areas

This toolbox presents practical solutions for building and maintaining long-term cooperation structures in mountain regions. It includes governance models, organisational approaches and financing options that can help public authorities, regional organisations and civil society actors develop stable partnerships that continue beyond individual projects and funding periods.
Type of output: Solutions

Toolbox for Cross-Border Cooperation Structures

This toolbox supports the planning and management of cross-border cooperation structures in mountain regions. It provides practical guidance on governance, strategic planning, financing and cooperation between public authorities, businesses and communities. The solutions can help regions turn strategic ideas into operational and sustainable cross-border partnerships.
Type of output: Solutions

Project videos

Central Mountains

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Project contact

Anna Buk