In this open issue, a scoping review pinpoints research gaps on settlement systems in mountain regions around the world. A study in the Ecuadorian Andes reveals that farmers value a landscape’s social and ecological services equally when deciding where to grow a crop. An experimental auction in Italy shows that a European Union quality term for mountain wines could help support wine growers who invest in sustainable practices; and an MRI-supported comparative study of climate adaptation practices in two conflict-affected mountain areas in Africa points up interesting parallels and differences.
 
The issue is available online and open access.

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