Mountain futures conference: Nurturing seeds for change in the Anthropocene

This conference aims to explore and assess the role of mountains in the Anthropocene, and to develop plausible visions for mountains in a future where unintended or unforeseen consequences of human activities may dominate natural processes.

The conference invites anyone with an interest in the mountains to register their ‘seeds of change’: grass-root practices and ideas that show the positive potential of human activity in the environment. The organisers welcome scientists and stakeholders from all over the world with an interest in mountains. Young scientists in particular are encouraged to participate and present their work in a creative way, such as but not limited to, visual art and documentaries. Travel and lodging expenses will be covered for selected keynote speakers.

The organisers want to solicit, explore and develop visions of mountain futures that are socially and ecologically desirable, just, and sustainable in the Anthropocene.

Organised across four themes – Global Assessment of Climate Change, Mainstreaming the Marginalized Dynamic Sustainability, Water Governance and Dynamic Sustainability, the conference is being organised with the following objectives:

• build awareness of impacts of global change on mountains
• share knowledge that leads to future solutions
• facilitate dialogue on adaptation to global change among multiple montane stakeholders
• bridge the gap between scientific research and development on ground
• establish partnerships for regional cooperation in adaptation, water governance, and risk management in mountain regions

Finally, in the post-Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) scenario and the recent progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs), the conference organisers want to stress the importance of mountains and the people living in them.

The conference may provide guidance to develop indicators for the implementation SDGs, related to water, biosphere and other mountain related components.

Please register your seed and confirm your participation at www.mountainfutures.org