Historically, mountain regions in remote border areas are marginalised. However, experiences demonstrate theat they also have a potential for development if the rich natural and cultural heritage is used appropriately and preserved for the future. The central objective of the project is to integrate European spatial development policies and management of the fragile mountain ecosystems of the Carpathians in a transnational context, while cooperating with local and regional stakeholders, and analysing typical constraints of mountainous regions in the context of economic transition and European integration. It will deliver strategies and best practices for protection and sustainable development of the Carpathians while safeguarding its natural and cultural heritage.

Partnership: POLAND – RTI Polska; Podkarpackie Voivodeship; UNEP/GRID-Warsaw; Institute of Urban Development; Institute of Spatial and Cadastral Systems Ltd.; HUNGARY – Academy of Sciences – Centre for Regional Studies; CEEWEB/OETE; SLOVAK REPUBLIC – REC Slovakia; Academia Istropolitana; ITALY – Retecamere; EURAC; GREECE – Prefectural Authority of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi; AUSTRIA – Austrian Institute of East and Southeast European Studies; WWF DCP; CZECH REPUBLIC – Palacky University Olomouc; GERMANY – ISF Munchen; ROMANIA – INCD Urbanproiect Bucharest; UKRAINE – International Charitable Foundation “Heifer Project International”.

Project outcomes related to the Carpathian forests:

• Challenges and priority for adapting the management of Carpathians forests to new environmental and socio-economic conditions 
• Report on Current State of Forest Resources in the Carpathians
• Innovative Application Of GIS Methods  And Satellite Photos For General Inventory And Protection Of Carpathian Forests
• Wood production and trade in the Carpathian Region (2007)