Can universities save our mountains? The role of regional scientific networks in the Carpathians and Caucasus

The importance sustainable development of the mountainous areas as well as the challenges faced by mountain communities have been recognized in a number of international policy documents, such as Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as numerous scientific publications. A number of processes and mechanisms for cooperation on sustainable development of the mountainous regions have emerged, including in the Carpathians and the Caucasus. 

In both Carpathian and Caucasus regions scientific networks have been created, with contribution to the regional sustainable development among their objectives:

• Science for the Carpathians (S4C) network has been established in 2008, connecting international researchers and those from the Carpathian countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Ukraine)
• In 2014, representatives of the six Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, the Russian Federation and Turkey) formally created the Scientific Network for the Caucasus Mountain Region (SNC-mt). 

But to which extent do universities located in these regions and the members of these networks play a role in sustainable development processes? What are the challenges and opportunities in this respect in the Carpathians and the Caucasus societies? How can regional scientific networks support a stronger role of scientists and enhance co-creation of knowledge among science, non-academic actors and policy makers in these regions?

Representatives of both networks will provide the background and facilitate discussion on the above questions. 

Moderation and background notes:

• Tamara Mitrofanenko, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU); United Nations Environment Programme, Vienna Programme Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention

Inputs from the Carpathian and Caucasus scientific networks:

• Joanna Zawiejska, Chair of the Science for the Carpathians (S4C) network, Institute of Geography, Pedagogical University, Kraków, Poland
• Nina Shatberashvili, Executive Director, Sustainable Caucasus, Coordination Unit of the Scientific Network for the Caucasus Mountain region (SNC-mt)

Inputs on integration of Transdisciplinary Approaches in the Caucasus region: 

• Tigran Keryan, postdoc researcher in the Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies at University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal.