Local communities invited to shape mountain economies’ future at the 13th European Mountain Convention
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
Mountain stakeholders from all over Europe are invited to the 13th European Mountain Convention to find appropriate solutions to socio-economic, demographic, and environmental transition challenges. Let’s shape the future of mountain economies together!
Giving mountain communities a voice
In response to these various challenges, mountain stakeholders from all over Europe are invited to gather and share their experiences, draw inspiration from the successes of other territories and reflect on political and practical solutions to shape together the future of mountain economies.
The 2024 edition of the Convention will be more participatory than ever to amplify the voice of mountain stakeholders. There will be plenty of time for participatory workshops, collective thinking and networking. From regional and local authorities to civil society associations, farmers, researchers, development agencies or LAGs, the Convention is an inclusive and multi-stakeholder event that gives a voice to all.
Stakeholder participation is also encouraged in the run-up to the event to start gathering views from local communities on eight of the key themes of the event.! An online consultation is open on the ‘Mountain Areas’ community group on the Rural Pact website – sign up to become a member of the Rural Pact Community Platform in order to contribute.
Building prosperous, resilient, connected and stronger mountain economies
By focusing on the economy, the Convention will address a number of issues that are central to the EU's rural vision. The local economy is obviously the driving force behind the long-term prosperity of these areas, and the Convention will address issues such as the promotion of local products, support for entrepreneurship and the relocation of certain sectors to mountain areas.
In response to the various challenges facing mountain areas, the Convention will also look at improving the resilience of local and regional economies. This includes, in particular, the resilience of tourism in the face of climate change and the resilience of sectors suffering from depopulation and labour shortages.
As mountain areas are specific territories, often cross-border, sometimes remote, often rural, but not exclusively so, connectivity is essential to their economies. Rural-urban linkages and the digital transition of businesses will therefore also feature prominently in the discussions.
Last but not least, working towards dynamic and sustainable local economies and attractive regions for workers also means making mountains stronger for the future.
The Convention will take place in Puigcerdà from 15 to 18 October 2024. It is co-organised by Euromontana, the Government of Catalonia and the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF). With the support of the European Rural Pact, the event will give participants the opportunity to learn more about the Rural Pact.
Author: EUROMONTANA