News

European mountain stakeholders invited to shape the future of mountain economies

10.07.2024

Mountain economies are challenged by socioeconomic, demographic and environmental transitions and need to tap into their innovative capacity and increased political support. To find appropriate solutions, mountain stakeholders from all over Europe are invited to the 13th European Mountain Convention to shape the future of mountain economies together.

Mountain economies are based on economic sectors that are the beating heart of mountain areas, provide employment to mountain communities and essential ecosystem services to the society at large, and are often embedded in territorial identities and values.

However, European mountain economies face a number of economic, social and environmental challenges, exacerbated by the geographical constraints of mountain areas. Climate change is calling for a new approach to mountain tourism, depopulation is destabilising certain sectors and prompting territories to rethink their strategies for attracting workers, and access to housing and land is holding back development in other regions. But the transitions underway also offer great opportunities for local economies. The promotion of mountain products can encourage more sustainable consumption, the relocation of certain sectors can create jobs locally, digital technology can contribute to modernising traditional sectors and entrepreneurship can drive the revitalisation of the most rural mountain areas.

Around these challenges and opportunities, the Convention will address a number of issues that are central to the European Union's Vision for Rural Areas and the event will contribute to building more prosperous, resilient, connected and stronger mountain economies.

Giving European mountain communities a voice

In response to these various challenges, mountain stakeholders from all over Europe are invited to gather and share their experiences, draw inspiration from the successes of other territories and reflect on political and practical solutions to shape together the future of mountain economies.

The 2024 edition of the Convention will be more participatory than ever to amplify the voice of mountain people. There will be participatory workshops, collective thinking and networking. From regional and local authorities to civil society associations, farmers, researchers, development agencies or Local Action Groups, the Convention is an inclusive and multistakeholder event that gives a voice to all.

Stakeholder participation is also encouraged in the run-up to the event. An online consultation is open on the European Rural Pact's mountain communities group to start gathering views from local communities on eight of the key themes of the event.

The Convention will take place in Puigcerdà from 15 to 18 October 2024. It is co-organized by Euromontana, the Government of Catalonia and the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF). With the support of the European Rural Pact, the event will give participants the opportunity to learn more about the Rural Pact.

More information is available at www.mountainconvention.eu