Homo Montanus: Sustainable human-mountain relations in a changing world
The second edition of the Global Mountain Sustainability Forum (GMS Forum) aims at exploring sustainable and resilient human-mountain relations in light of current societal and environmental challenges humanity is faced with. In doing so, the conference strives to provide a platform for multi- and interdisciplinary discussion while shedding light on the lessons to be learned from mountains and mountain communities in relation to the sustainable reorganisation of modern societies. A special focus will be placed on the dynamics between highlands and lowlands (see the main thematic sessions here).
The detailed programme will soon be made available on the forum's website.
Call for Presentations
Scientists, researchers and students from all disciplines are invited to submit their application to present their research at the 2nd Global Mountain Sustainability Forum (3-4 October 2022).
The presentations should address topics dealing with sustainable relationships between humans and mountains and their implications for sustainability transformations more broadly.
Applicants are expected to submit an abstract of no more than 350 words. It should include the preliminary title, the research question(s), the theoretical and methodological approach and, where applicable, the data used. Interdisciplinary topics are particularly welcome.
Abstracts must be submitted by Saturday, 29 May 2022, and should be assigned to one of the four thematic sessions. If accepted, participants will be notified by the organisers and invited to register to the conference by 30 June 2022.
Participants will then be asked to prepare a short presentation of their research (10 minutes) that will form the basis for the subsequent discussion (5 minutes). Further details regarding presentation modalities will be communicated by the organisers.
Questions to be addressed include but are not restricted to:
- What characterises the relationships between humans and mountains in different parts of the world and how have they evolved over time?
- How can the resilience of mountain communities be fostered and what role do technology and (social) innovation play?
- Which strategies and policies can help to tackle the social and environmental challenges inhabitants of mountain regions are faced with today?
- Who is responsible for initiating and shaping sustainable governance in mountain regions? What role does leadership play? What political and social dynamics come into play between highlands and lowlands?
- What are lessons to be learned from mountains and mountain communities when it comes to a sustainable reorganisation of contemporary societies?
Cover image by Connor McSheffrey.
