Mountain Research and Development Journal

ROSA: An Andean Network of Social-Ecological Observatories

By Julieta Carilla et al

This article presents the network’s origins, structure, objectives, and strategies, showing how it works to support sustainable development by integrating monitoring into adaptive management.

Open Issue

VOL 44 | NO 3
August 2024

Articles examine rural–urban change in highland Peru, cultural ecosystem services potential in Armenia, rural development in Georgia, and governance for sustainable development in the European Alps.

In memoriam: Jack D. Ives, founding editor of MRD

Jack D. Ives, Editor of MRD from 1981–1999, died on 15 September 2024 at the age of 92. His life and work was of immense significance for the world’s mountains and mountain people.

Rural–Urban Change in Highland Peru: Perceived Impacts and Preferred Performance

By Andreas Haller et al

Periurban villagers on the valley floors of Peru’s Quechua elevational zone perceive a number of negative impacts of rural–urban change. Still, they view urbanization per se as a positive process.

Mountain Tourism—Trends and Transformations Toward Sustainability and Resilience

VOL 46 | NO 1
Call for papers open

How can tourism support sustainable development in mountains? We invite papers that analyze trends and impacts, assess solutions for sustainable tourism, or provide policy, action, or research agendas.

What Governance for Sustainable Development in the Mountains? Insights from the Alpine Region

By Stefano Sala et al

The authors analyze policies and strategies across Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland and derive concrete policy recommendations on how to support sustainable development in mountain areas.

Open Issue

VOL 44 | NO 2
May 2024

Topics include settlement systems in mountains, farmer–landscape dynamics, a possible quality term for mountain wines, and climate adaptation practices in conflict-affected mountain areas.

Settlement Systems in Mountain Regions: A Research Gap?

By Dominik Bertram et al

Based on a scoping review, the authors show that academic debates do not fully address the potential of settlement systems for sustainable spatial development in mountains, and propose ways forward.

A Landscape’s Social and Ecological Services are Equally Valued by Andean Farmers When Deciding Where to Grow a Crop

By Quentin Struelens et al

Knowing farmer–landscape dynamics is vital for successful agroecological intensification. The main finding of this study in Ecuador challenges conventional sustainability norms.

Focus Topics

Innovation Pathways to Sustainability in Mountains

VOL 45 | NO 3
Call for papers open

How can innovation contribute to sustainability in mountains? We invite papers that assess innovation processes, examine innovation practices, or provide agendas for policy, action, or research.

This article presents the network’s origins, structure, objectives, and strategies, showing how it works to support sustainable development by integrating monitoring into adaptive management.

International Mountain Society and Sponsors