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Did you know that ...
... one-third of all European vascular plant species can be found in the Carpathians? That means almost 4,000 plant species, and 481 of them are found only in the Carpathians!
… Gerlachovsky Peak (2,655 m altitude) in the High Tatras in Slovak Republic is the highest peak of the Carpathians?
… the European Union’s largest populations of brown bears, wolves, lynx, European bisons and imperial eagles (globally threatened species) are found in the Carpathians?
… 36 national parks, 51 nature parks and protected landscape areas, 19 biosphere reserves and 200 other protected areas are member of the Carpathian Network of Protected areas
… there are 36 registered UNESCO World Heritage sites and 49 important pilgrimage destinations in the Carpathian area?
… the number of hotels in the Carpathians has increased by nearly 60% in the last ten years?
… the Carpathians contain the continent's largest remaining natural mountain beech and beech/coniferous forest ecosystems and the largest area of pristine forest in Europe (outside Russia)?
... the Carpathians are the largest, most twisted and fragmented mountain chain in Europe? They are Europe’s largest mountains by area.
… in the 1970’s, about 1,000,000 people worked in the mining sector in the Carpathians? Today, the number of employees in this sector is about 340,000.
… the Carpathians were put on the WWF ‘Global 200’ list of major ecoregions in need of biodiversity and habitat conservation?
… more than half of the Carpathians are covered by forests? The Carpathian forests are a vital link between the forests of the north and those of the west and south-west of Europe.
Key publications
Publications
Publications - General
Elevating Mountains in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework
Mountains, their biodiversity, and the vital ecosystem services they provide, are essential for the well-being of people worldwide. However, mountains are exposed to multiple stressors and processes of global change that can threaten and damage their ecosystems. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to emphasize the key relevance of mountains and the need for their conservation in global agendas that are currently under negotiation, specifying explicit ambitions for mountains in the environmental and policy discourse.
With this brief, we offer relevant facts and recommendations to support a dialogue and negotiations on priorities, goals and targets for mountains in 2030 and beyond. Member states are encouraged to support this shared vision for a sustainable future for mountains and for humanity worldwide and to fulfil the post-2020 agenda. The policy recommendations in this brief address the CBD post-2020 global biodiversity framework (hereafter “post-2020 framework”).
Publications - General
Mountain Adaptation Outlook Series – Synthesis Report
Mountain regions occupy about one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface, and are home to 15% of the world’s population. The influence of mountains extends far beyond their ranges: they provide goods and services, most notably water, to millions of people downstream.
Mountains are also on the frontline of climate change. Just like the poles, high-altitude areas are warming faster than the global average, and almost all glaciers across mountain regions are retreating. The topography of mountains means they are often steep, with human populations earning a living on precarious land which is prone to flooding, landslides and a host of other climatic and non-climatic hazards.
Publications - General
The Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Carpathian mountains
The Carpathians is one of the largest mountain areas of Europe and hosts exceptional biodiversity, including a large population of carnivores. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation are already causing challenges for Carpathian communities. Important industries in the region, such agriculture, tourism and forestry are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Furthermore, the changes also threatens valuable ecosystems and their continued provision of essential services, such as fresh water, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts are also projected to become even more problematic in the future. Increased regional cooperation in the region will strengthen adaptation efforts to meet shared challenges, in particular through the Carpathian Convention.
The Outlook is intended for a broad audience of experts and specialists, civil society representatives and donor organisations as well as decision makers from various sectors. It includes concrete recommendations for sectorial authorities, national governments and for regional cooperation.
Publications - General
The Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Central Asian mountains
Climate change threatens access to water and farming in Central Asia - but solutions are at hand
Due to their mountainous topography and arid climate, the Central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are among those most vulnerable to climate change. The five states are experiencing detrimental changes in water distribution, extreme weather, natural hazards, and unique mountain biodiversity. This report highlights the risks to the region’s security and economy and recommends practical ways to increase resilience using Ecosystem-based Adaptation measures.
The new report is part of the Mountain Adaptation Outlook series for Central Asia, Eastern Africa, Southern Caucasus, (tropical) Andes and Western Balkans. The collection provides a unique and practical companion for local, regional and national policy makers seeking to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
This Outlook was developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) in collaboration with GRID-Arendal and the Regional Mountain Centre for Central Asia (RMCCA) in the context of the inter-regional project “Climate change action in developing countries with fragile mountainous ecosystems from a sub-regional perspective”. Financial support was provided by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW).
Publications - Raising Awareness, Education, and Public Participation
Waste Management Outlook for Mountain Regions Sources and Solutions
Urban sprawl, mining and tourism are adding to the litter problem in mountains, but a new UN report shows way out
Many mountain regions are experiencing a growing waste problem, from ever-expanding urban sprawl and cities, increasing consumption patterns, existing and past mining operations, tourism activities and practises of illegal dumping. Steepness, remoteness, often poor socio-economic conditions, and vulnerability to natural hazards, makes waste management in mountains more challenging than in lowland areas. Gravity and river flow can also enlarge the footprint of mountain waste to a thousand kilometres or more downstream - and even right into the ocean.
Inadequate treatment or disposal of waste in mountains not only creates risks for ecosystems and human health in mountain regions, but also for downstream areas. It is truly an issue of global concern.
The good news is that there are many options available to prevent and manage waste in mountain environments, in ways that protect mountain ecosystems and people, and prevent problems from migrating downstream. This report highlights both the challenges and the solutions for good waste management in mountain regions.
Publications - General
Investing in Sustainable Mountain Development. Opportunities, Resources and Benefits
The recently produced report "Investing in Sustainable Mountain Development - Opportunities, Resources and Benefits" elaborated as part of the Series on Sustainable Mountain Development presents a broad range of case studies that showcase the diverse opportunities, challenges and dimensions of investment in mountain regions. It also highlights how investment can contribute to sustainable development not only in mountain communities but also worldwide. This report was produced by the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
Published in 2016
Publications - General
Mountains and Climate Change - A Global Concern
Sustainable Mountain Development Series
This publication was supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Published in 2014
Publications - Tourism, Awareness raising, education and public participation
Innovation in Rural Tourism - Cases from European Mountain Communities (Final Project Publication)
The InRuTou project developed and tested electronic training and marketing materials for supporting sustainable rural tourism in five pilot mountainous areas. Cases from European Mountain Communities is the final publication of the InRuTou project. It presents the piloting process and its results in each participating area with the aim to provide inspiration for and concrete examples of implementing the InRuTou training.
Published in 2015
Publications - Tourism, Awareness raising, education and public participation
Innovation in Rural Tourism - Transferability Manual
The InRuTou project developed and tested electronic training and marketing materials for supporting sustainable rural tourism in pilot mountainous areas in Italy, Poland, Romania and Ukraine. The Transferability Manual is a methodological publication that explains how the project was developed based on its background and technical documents. Its aim is to support interested organizations in transferring the InRuTou methods to other communities, regions, and countries.
Published in 2015
Publications - General
Future Imperfect - Climate change and adaptation in the Carpathians - Report
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION IN THE CARPATHIANS
This synthesis publication builds on the main findings of three projects – CARPATCLIM, CARPIVIA and CarpathCC – funded under the preparatory action “Climate of the Carpathian Basin” approved by the European Parliament. The development of this publication has been co-supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through its inter-regional climate change project “Climate change action in developing countries with fragile mountainous ecosystems from a sub-regional perspective”, financed by the Government of Austria.
Produced by GRID-Arendal
Published in September 2014
Publications - Biodiversity
BioREGIO Carpathian - Integrated management of biological and landscape diversity for sustainable regional development and ecological connectivity in the Carpathians - FINAL PUBLICATION
Published in June 2014
Publications - Awareness raising, education and public participation
Intergenerational Learning and Innovation for Sustainable Development - Big Foot Final Conference Proceedings
The Final Conference of the project Big Foot. Crossing Generations, Crossing Mountains brought together project partners and researchers and practitioners from Austria other European countries. The participants presented and discussed experiences and prospects for involvement of younger and older generations in sustainable development in the mountainous regions.
Produced by UNEP Vienna SCC
Published in 2014
Publications - Awareness raising, education and public participation
Big Foot. Crossing Generations, Crossing Mountains - Transferability Tool Kit
The Transferability Tool Kit presents in detail the experience of the participating communities of the project Big Foot. Crossing Generations, Crossing Mountains - Berkovitsa, Bulgaria, Gubbio, Italy and Trikala, Greece. The aim of the Tool Kit is to inspire and support participation of younger and older generations in Sustainable Development in the Carpathians and other mountainous regions.
Produced by UNEP Vienna SCC
Published in 2013
Publications - General
National Achievements and Challenges Related to the Implementation of the Carpathian Convention
European Academy of Bolzano, Interim Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention
Published in October 2011
Publications - Environmental assessment/information system/monitoring and early warning
S4C Research Agenda for the Carpathians 2010 - 2015
Kozak J., Björnsen Gurung A., Ostapowicz K.
Published 2011
Publications - General
The Carpathians in the European Environment -State and Outlook 2010
The European Environment Agency
Copenhagen, Denmark; 2011
Publications - Biological Diversity
Creation of Ecological Corridors in Ukraine
State Agency for Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Ukraine, Altenburg, and Wymenga Ecological Consultants, InterEcoCentre
Kyiv, Ukraine; 2010
English version
Ukrainian version
Publications - General
Atlas of the Carpathian Macroregion
Carpathian Project - Palacky University and European Academy (EURAC)
Published 2009
Order a printed copy at UNEP Vienna ISCC
Publications - Industry and Energy
Renewable Energy in the Carpathian Region
UNIDO, UNEP Vienna ISCC
Vienna, Austria; 2010
Order a printed copy at UNEP Vienna ISCC
Publications - General
VASICA-Visions and Strategies in the Carpathian Area
Carpathian Project
Published 2009
VASICA is a transnational spatial development document for the Carpathian region. Following the success of the Alpine Space, it calls for the establishment of a support mechanism for the "Carpathian Space" in European Territorial Cooperation that will shift this transnational area from the periphery to a region of sustainable development in the heart of Europe. VASICA is one of the key results of the EU CADSES Carpathian Project.
Publications -Raising Awareness, Education, and Public Participation
Carpathian Mountains ESD Training Tool Kit
UNEP Vienna- ISCC, ENSI, CASALEN
Published 2009
Publications - Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry
SARD-M Report for the Carpathian Convention Member States
Carpathian Project-European Academy (EURAC)
Published 2008
Publications - General
Carpathians Environment Outlook
UNEP/DEWA Europe
Published 2007
Download
Prechapter, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Annexes
Publications - General
Handbook on the Carpathian Convention
Regional Environement Center (REC), European Academy (EURAC)
Published 2007
More information
Publications - General
A Heightened Perspective - Regional Assessment of the Policy, Legislative and Institutional Frameworks Implementing the Carpathian Convention
Regional Environement Center (REC), European Academy (EURAC)
Published 2007
More information
Publications - General
Implementing an International Mountain Convention - An Approach for the Delimitation of the Carpathian Convention Area
European Academy (EURAC), UNEP Vienna-ISCC
Published 2006
Publications - Sustainable and Integrated Water/River Basin Management
Rapid Environmental Assessment of the Tisza River Basin
UNEP
Published 2004
