Mountain Research and Development
The leading international scientific journal specifically devoted to sustainable development in the world’s mountains

Published by the International Mountain Society (IMS)

Mountain Research and Development Journal
Mountain Research and Development Journal
Teglio, Valtellina, Italy. Photo by Stefano Sala

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

By Stefano Sala et al
MountainAgenda

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.

Sargans/Mels, Switzerland: an example of valley-based settlement structures in the European Alps. Photo by Max Klein

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.

Example of settlement structures and land use patterns in the Alpine Rhine Valley (Photo by Elias Günther)

Settlement Systems in Mountain Regions: A Research Gap?

By Dominik Bertram et al
MountainAgenda

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.

Asked to choose the most suitable landscape in which to grow their crops, farmers in the Ecuadorian Andes based their decision on both natural and social factors. Photo by Quentin Struelens

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
MountainResearch

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

A traditional rebo tent stands resilient in the vast landscape of Changthang, Ladakh. Photo by Arif Pandit

Open Issue

VOL 44 | NO 1
February 2024

Read about pastoralism in Ladakh, links between migration and exotic plant species in the Andes, and the heterogeneity of Swiss alpine summer farms—and how all this relates to sustainable development.

Veterinary care in the mountains: A mobile animal health camp supports the wellbeing of Pashmina goats in their natural habitat. Photo by Arif Pandit

Pastoralism in Changthang, Ladakh: Adaptations, Challenges, and Pathways for Sustainability

By Arif Pandit et al
MountainAgenda

This comprehensive review shows that integrated strategies that include regulated grazing practices and respect pastoralists’ stewardship are key to keeping this production system and culture sustainable.

Farmers in Honghe County, Yunnan Province, China, formed a cooperative to learn how to grow edible fungi by working with a local mushroom factory—which is partnering with scientists from the Honghe Innovations Centre to pioneer recycling of wastes back into production. Photo by Juan Xiong; Source: Grumbine RE, Xu J. 2021. Mountain futures: Pursuing innovative adaptations in coupled social–ecological systems. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 19(6):342–348. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2345

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.

Focus Topics

Latest Articles

See full contents on BioOne

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...

MountainAgenda

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