Aims
eco.mont is an interdisciplinary and international journal dedicated to high-quality studies and original research on protected mountain areas and management, promotes disciplinary, inter- and transdisciplinary approaches on a broad range of topics related to protected mountain areas.
eco.mont serves a wide community of research scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers and aims to be a leading platform for the dissemination and for the exchange of scientific research, practical knowledge, and management strategies related to protected mountain areas.
eco.mont strives to be an essential resource for anyone involved in the research, management, and preservation of protected mountain areas.
eco.mont’s primary objectives include:
- Advancing scientific knowledge: To publish original research articles, reports on management issues, and case studies that contribute to the understanding of ecological and societal processes and changes in mountain ecosystems.
- Supporting conservation efforts: To provide a scientific basis for the management and conservation of protected mountain areas, ensuring the preservation of their unique biodiversity and natural resources.
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration: To foster collaboration among scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers from various disciplines to address complex challenges in mountain conservation and management.
- Facilitating policy and decision-making: To offer insights and recommendations that inform policy-makers and stakeholders involved in the governance and management of mountain protected areas.
- Promoting sustainable development: To explore and highlight sustainable practices that balance conservation goals with the socio-economic needs of local communities residing in or near protected mountain areas.
Scope
The scope of eco.mont encompasses a broad range of topics related to protected mountain areas, including but not limited to:
- Ecological and biological research: Studies on flora, fauna, habitats, and ecosystems in mountain areas, focusing on species diversity, population dynamics, and ecological interactions.
- Environmental change and climate impact: Research on the effects of climate change, land use changes, and other environmental pressures on mountain ecosystems and biodiversity, e.g. naturals hazards and disaster risk.
- Conservation strategies and management practices: Articles on innovative conservation techniques, protected area management plans, restoration projects, and the effectiveness of conservation policies.
- Socio-economic and cultural dimensions: Analyses of the interactions between human communities and mountain environments, including traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and the role of local communities in conservation.
- Sustainable tourism and recreation: Studies on the impacts of tourism and recreational activities on protected mountain areas, and strategies to promote sustainable tourism practices.
- Policy and governance: Discussions on the frameworks, policies, and governance models that support the protection and sustainable management of mountain areas.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-cutting issues: Research that bridges multiple disciplines to address complex issues in mountain conservation, such as ecosystem services, landscape connectivity, resilience building and integrated management approaches.
- Communication, perception and acceptance: Research on the communication strategies and tools used to raise awareness about the importance of mountain conservation, the public perception of conservation efforts, and the acceptance of conservation initiatives by local communities and stakeholders. This includes studies on environmental education, outreach programs, media influence, and the role of public participation in fostering a shared understanding and commitment to protecting mountain ecosystems.
