Mountains Connect: Promoting Cooperation for Climate Resilient Development
In an increasingly interconnected world, the significance of collaboration across regions cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to addressing pressing global issues like climate change. A recent publication, the Mountains Connect Brief, sheds light on a remarkable initiative that brought together delegates from the Andes, Alps, and Carpathians to exchange experiences and explore avenues for enhancing mountain governance for climate resilient development.
Initiated by the Andean Mountain Initiative (AMI), the study trip to Europe in June 2023 facilitated dialogue and knowledge sharing between representatives from the Alpine Convention, the Carpathian Convention, and the Andean region. The primary aim was to strengthen cooperation among these regional mountain platforms, recognizing the shared challenges and opportunities faced by mountainous regions worldwide.
Spanning three countries—Austria, Poland, and Slovenia—the trip offered a unique opportunity for participants to delve into various approaches and mechanisms for regional governance tailored to the specific needs of mountain ecosystems and communities. From exploring sustainable resource management practices to discussing policy frameworks conducive to climate adaptation, the exchanges were rich in insights and lessons learned.
The resulting Mountains Connect Brief encapsulates the essence of this transformative experience, distilling key takeaways and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers engaged in mountain governance.
The brief was produced by the Adaptation at Altitude Programme, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, CONDESAN (Lima/ Quito), United Nations Environment Programme (Nairobi), Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention (Innsbruck), and Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention (Vienna).
At its core, the brief underscores the pivotal role of regional mountain governance in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action towards climate resilience. By harnessing the collective wisdom and experiences of diverse mountain communities, stakeholders can forge innovative solutions and navigate the complex challenges posed by climate change.
