Urban networks play a crucial role for spatial development in mountain regions. Efficient settlement systems are an important basis for a good quality of life. Effective spatial organization of urban functions can improve overall economic, social and environmental development.
A variety of obstacles, including relief and altitude, demographic change, and cross-border barriers, complicate spatial development efforts in mountain areas. Settlement systems assume a vital function in addressing these challenges. Spatial development provides a framework for balancing competing sectoral interests, including tourism, biodiversity, and infrastructure development.
During the International Mountain Conference (IMC) that takes place from 14 to 18 September 2025 in Innsbruck we organize a session that aims to explore the relevance of cities and towns within their settlement systems for sustainable mountain development. The IMC brings together interdisciplinary experts to discuss issues related to mountains explicitly. The primary objectives of the conference include the synthesis and enhancement of our understanding of mountain systems. The session will be convened by Markus Lambracht and Andreas Haller from the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
The focus is in both the global North and South (e.g. Andes, Carpathians, Caucasus, European Alps, Hindu Kush Himalaya, Rocky Mountains). We aim to address significant research gaps related to comparative perspectiv es on urban networks, highlighting mountain-specific challenges that are key to an economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally balanced development.
- Submission deadline: 20 February, 2025
- Session link
- Conference link
In different project contexts, our working group has already addressed mountain city networks in the European Alps: