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
Jack D. Ives. Photo by Nadine Ives

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 around the city of Cusco, Peru, is increasingly transforming the face of periurban villages in the Quechua elevational zone of the Huatanay valley. Photo by Andreas Haller

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

By Andreas Haller et al
MountainResearch

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.

What does it take for mountain tourism to support sustainable and resilient development? A local transports trekkers’ bags near Yashilkul, Tajikistan. Photo by Marlène Thibault

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.

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.

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.

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