Scientifi c Research Basis for Sustainable Development of the Mountain Regions : Main Concepts and Basic Theories

Champenoux

2016

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

17341

200199598

Abstract European policy concerning mountain regions aims at achieving sustainability by using cohesion and integration policies, as well as multi-sectoral and regional approaches. Under conditions of global change, the role of scientific research in the implementation of these policies acquires additional importance. Scientific understanding of the theoretical base and the concepts involved would best serve sustainable development policies in the mountain regions. This study provides an overview of defi nitions of fundamental concepts, such as sustainability and sustainable development, multi-disciplinarity, inter-disciplinarity, and trans-disciplinarity. Having in mind that diversity and complexity are typical characteristics of mountain areas, both socially and environmentally, this chapter discusses the advantages and drawbacks of implementation of the DPSIR (Driving forces, Pressures, State, Impact, Responses) model and the concepts of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary. This analysis is expected to support the following conclusions: (1) sustainable development policies must be grounded in the basic concepts of economic theory, including throughput, instead of utility, and (2) mountain research necessitates transdisciplinary approaches.Keywords Sustainable development Mountains Global change