Abstract
This presentation examines how transformative change in mountain regions can be advanced through improved governance, participatory processes, and research-driven collaboration. Mountain territories face unique and interlinked political, socioeconomic, and local governance challenges, including limited representation, demographic decline, high vulnerability to climate change, and the persistent gap between rich natural resources and limited economic opportunities. Building on frameworks such as the mountain paradoxes and recent governance analyses, the talk highlights why mountain governance requires specific, place-based approaches capable of addressing fragmented decision-making and insufficient stakeholder engagement.
A central argument of the presentation is that transformation—distinct from top‑down transitions—must emerge from holistic, inclusive, and co‑produced processes. Transdisciplinary collaboration and the co-production of knowledge are presented as essential methods for identifying local needs, framing context-specific solutions, and enabling shared ownership of adaptation measures. Examples from South Tyrol and Val Resia showcase how early involvement of stakeholders, clear communication, and jointly defined indicators can enhance the relevance and usability of climate adaptation policies.
Ultimately, the presentation underscores the vital role of research in bridging top‑down and bottom‑up perspectives, fostering collective agency, and supporting coherent territorial visions. Knowledge alone is insufficient; transformation requires creating meaningful opportunities for participation and empowering mountain communities to shape their own futures.