Central Mountains project highlighted at Forum Carpaticum 2025
The 8th edition of Forum Carpaticum 2025 took place from 9–11 September 2025 in Bratislava, hosted by the Comenius University in Bratislava. As a key scientific and multi-stakeholder platform of the Science for the Carpathians, the Forum brought together researchers, policymakers, and civil society to advance dialogue on sustainable development in mountain and rural areas. The 2025 edition focused on strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and fostering inclusive, cross-sectoral approaches to regional challenges.
One of the highlights of this year’s Forum was a two-day side event – the Carpathian Fair – coordinated and co-organised by the Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention. The event showcased a variety of regional initiatives, alongside cultural practices and traditional food, creating an interactive space for exchange between stakeholders and participants.
During the Carpathian Fair, the Secretariat highlighted the Central Mountains: From the Alps to the Carpathians – strengthening governance models for sustainable development of mountain areas in Central Europe project (April 2023 – March 2026), funded by the Interreg Central Europe Programme and led by Rzeszów County. The project focuses on improving governance models across mountain regions – including the Alps, Carpathians, and Sudetes – by strengthening cross-border and transnational cooperation structures and developing joint strategies and action plans for sustainable development.
Through its activities, the project contributes to building long-term cooperation frameworks that go beyond individual project cycles, including the development of an Alpine-Carpathian joint strategy for community-led sustainable development and an Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Carpathians. These efforts aim to enhance participatory governance, reduce environmental pressures, and support local communities.
Participants of Forum Carpaticum 2025 had the opportunity to learn more about the Central Mountains project, engage with its objectives and activities, and exchange views directly with representatives of the Secretariat. This visibility contributed to raising awareness of the project’s role in fostering sustainable development and strengthening cooperation across the Alpine-Carpathian region.
