The provisional programme for the International Mountain Conference 2019 has now been announced. This conference aims to encourage in-depth cross-disciplinary discussion in order to develop and enhance global understanding of mountain systems and their responses and resiliencies. The International Mountain Conference (IMC) 2019 will take place 8-12 September 2019 in Innsbruck, Austria. It aims to build upon the Perth mountain conferences, continuing this special scientific conference series with a focus on mountain-specific topics. Taking place in the Alps, the IMC 2019 will provide an excellent opportunity for experts from different disciplines to come together and discuss mountain-related issues.
THEMATIC FOCUS
Climate change is an ongoing global phenomenon. The topography of mountain regions means that the processes and impacts of climate change are typically more complex in these regions than in the lowlands, and therefore more challenging to understand and predict. At the same time, mountain systems affected by climate change also provide many services, not only to local residents but also to people living in the lowlands. In total, around one quarter of the Earth's population lives in the mountains and their forelands.
In light of this, the IMC 2019 will focus on:
- The investigation of processes and the detection of changes in climate and other factors more or less influenced by climate (e.g., social, environmental, or infrastructure changes)
- The consequences of these changes with respect to the vulnerabilities of socio-ecological systems
- Strategies for adaptation and transformation
The IMC 2019 will be structured around three key focus areas: Drivers and Processes, Consequences, and Responses. Each of these focus areas contains four specific related topics as outlined below.
Drivers and Processes
1. Climatic changes in mountain regions
2. Land-atmosphere interactions in mountain regions
3. Socio-cultural and economic drivers
4. Human environmental and social interactions in alpine landscapes: The paleo-perspective
Consequences
1. Ecosystem services from mountain regions
2. Terrestrial mountain ecosystems under a changing climate
3. Mountain cryosphere and hydrosphere
4. Mountain hazards and risks
Responses
1. Adaptation and transformation strategies for mountain systems/infrastructures
2. Transformation processes in mountain tourism
3. Socio-ecological resilience of agri-food systems in mountain regions
4. Actors and institutions for sustainable mountain development
This programme is still under development. For more information about the programme, including full details of each planned workshop, please visit the IMC 2019 website.
GET INVOLVED!
Submissions for interactive synthesis workshops and posters summarizing your research will be invited at a later date. Posters from conference participants will be presented in an outdoor exhibition open to both researchers and the public. Submissions and online registration for the conference will open soon.
To be kept up to date with the latest IMC 2019 announcements, click here to sign up for the conference mailing list.
IMC 2019 STUDENT4STUDENT SUMMER SCHOOL
The Student4Student summer school (S4SSS) will take place in Innsbruck 1-7 September 2019. It will be tailored to PhD students working on various topics related to mountains. The format aims to provide participants with a) a platform to discuss their specific research ideas, challenges, and possible solutions and b) possibilities to reflect on the outcome of their workshops and discussions with experienced international experts. Participants will also have the possibility to take part in focused methodological training sessions. Applications open end 2018. More information is available on the IMC 2019 website.
1. Climatic changes in mountain regions
2. Land-atmosphere interactions in mountain regions
3. Socio-cultural and economic drivers
4. Human environmental and social interactions in alpine landscapes: The paleo-perspective
Consequences
1. Ecosystem services from mountain regions
2. Terrestrial mountain ecosystems under a changing climate
3. Mountain cryosphere and hydrosphere
4. Mountain hazards and risks
Responses
1. Adaptation and transformation strategies for mountain systems/infrastructures
2. Transformation processes in mountain tourism
3. Socio-ecological resilience of agri-food systems in mountain regions
4. Actors and institutions for sustainable mountain development
This programme is still under development. For more information about the programme, including full details of each planned workshop, please visit the IMC 2019 website.
GET INVOLVED!
Submissions for interactive synthesis workshops and posters summarizing your research will be invited at a later date. Posters from conference participants will be presented in an outdoor exhibition open to both researchers and the public. Submissions and online registration for the conference will open soon.
To be kept up to date with the latest IMC 2019 announcements, click here to sign up for the conference mailing list.
IMC 2019 STUDENT4STUDENT SUMMER SCHOOLThe Student4Student summer school (S4SSS) will take place in Innsbruck 1-7 September 2019. It will be tailored to PhD students working on various topics related to mountains. The format aims to provide participants with a) a platform to discuss their specific research ideas, challenges, and possible solutions and b) possibilities to reflect on the outcome of their workshops and discussions with experienced international experts. Participants will also have the possibility to take part in focused methodological training sessions. Applications open end 2018. More information is available on the IMC 2019 website.
