The Workshop identifies the implications and challenges of climate and socio-economic change for the future development of mountain regions. Global warming, land-use change, biodiversity and carbon sequestration, water, tourism, natural disasters and primary production are identified as key questions for the future and dealt in keynotes and discussion groups. Although special emphasis is given to the Alps, other mountain systems are reflected. The objective of the strategic workshop is to provide rationales and guidelines for mountain research agendas and funding agencies. Target groups therefore are researchers, project managers, sponsoring agencies, politicians and practitioners. As former strategie workshops organised by COST have proven, the conference will have a direct and effective impact on European research strategies and funding policies. The participation of prominent actors in mountain research and policies are important for the impact of this conference. The participants may be sure to have been included in this dynamics from the very beginning on.
