Safeguarding Mountain Social-Ecological Systems, vol. 1

A Global Challenge: Facing Emerging Risks and Adapting to Changing Environments

1st Edition - December 1, 2023
Editors: Stefan Schneiderbauer, Paola Fontanella Pisa, John F. Shroder, Jorg Szarzynski
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 2 0 9 5 - 5
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 2 3 2 6 0 - 6

Safeguarding Mountain Ecosystems: A Global Challenge provides an overview of the relevant research in mountain regions worldwide, identifying existing challenges and provid… Read more

Safeguarding Mountain Social-Ecological Systems, vol. 1

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Safeguarding Mountain Ecosystems: A Global Challenge provides an overview of the relevant research in mountain regions worldwide, identifying existing challenges and providing an understanding of the diversity of mountain ecosystems in different regions. Mountain ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to modified climate conditions and other global changes (demographic, migration, urbanization). In this time of change, efforts for sustainable development in mountain ecosystems deserve all the attention, especially in synergy with the United Nations’ International Frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the New Urban Agenda.Sections underline the importance of mountain regions for humanity at global, regional and local scales, describe the challenges of safeguarding mountains and possible solutions worldwide, and scrutinize regional specificities of the major mountain ranges, describing the challenges and opportunities of each. Final sections reflect on applications and technologies that address and solve major problems.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
List of contributors
About the editors
Foreword by Jack D. Ives
Preface by Xiaomeng Shen
Further reading
Preface by Martin F. Price
Preface by Roland Psenner
Acknowledgments
Part 1: Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction
The importance of mountains and why applied mountain research is critical?
The purpose and timing of publishing this book
Structure of the book
Acknowledgments
References
Part 2: Existing efforts in mountainsocial-ecological systems
Chapter 2. Mountain biodiversity under change
Abstract
Mountain biodiversity under global change
Mountain biodiversity and human well-being
Mitigation
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3. Land degradation and drought in mountains
Abstract
The context
The challenges related to land degradation and drought in mountains
A framework for integrated action
References
Chapter 4. Global change, related impact on natural hazard processes, and potential consequences in social-ecological mountain systems
Abstract
Introduction
Drivers of mountain hazards
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5. Mountain hazards and permafrost degradation
Abstract
Introduction
Different types of natural hazards associated with permafrost degradation
Future development and scenarios
Scientific challenges and research needs
Conclusions
References
Chapter 6. Impacts of permafrost thaw in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Abstract
Permafrost
Climate
Engineering-to-landscape-scale impacts from permafrost thaw
References
Chapter 7. Sendai Framework and disaster risk in mountain regions
Abstract
Challenges in mountain systems
Recommended priorities for action
Future
References
Chapter 8. People-centered, multi-hazard early warning systems in mountains: learning from the Fuego Volcano, Guatemala
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion of results
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9. Mountain emergency medicine
Abstract
Introduction
Current status of mountain emergency medicine
Impact of mountain emergency medicine on disaster risk preparedness
Future challenges
References
Chapter 10. Preparing for and responding to the environmental dimensions of emergencies and crises in mountain areas: insights from the United Nations
Abstract
Introduction
International response missions to environmental disasters in mountains
What are the main trends over space and time of mountain emergencies and crises for which international environmental assistance is requested?
What are key, recurrent attributes of these emergencies and crises?
Conclusions: what are the main lessons learnt from selected emergencies and crises in mountains and how can these inform future direction in a changing world?
References
Annex A
Chapter 11. Emergency response in mountain areas: lessons learned from the Nepal (Gorkha) earthquake 2015
Abstract
Introduction
Immediate response
Coordination of international assistance
Civil-military coordination
Shelter and camp coordination
Relief aid coordination
Postdisaster reconstruction
Coordination of response and local responders
Conclusions
References
Chapter 12. Global issues on mountain food security
Abstract
Main challenges to sustainable mountain development
Global challenges, climate change, and pressures on mountain people and ecosystems
Leaving no one behind: a path to sustainable development in mountains
References
Chapter 13. The impact of COVID-19 and sustainability governance in three different mountains regions of the world – An intercontinental comparison
Abstract
Introduction
Impacts of COVID-19 in the three study areas—mountain regions
Conclusions and outlook: sustainability governance in mountains
References
Chapter 14. Earth Observation tools to monitor and protect mountain environment: current challenges and future perspectives
Abstract
Introduction
Cryosphere
Water resources and agriculture
Ecosystem
Gravity-driven natural hazards
Data and processing platforms
Conclusive remarks
References
Chapter 15. Risk and resilience research in mountains worldwide - review and reflections
Abstract
Introduction
The resilience concepts
The four pillars of resilience and their application in mountain research
Disaster
Development
Governance
Social-ecological systems
Discussion and conclusion
References
Chapter 16. Climate change adaptation in mountain regions
Abstract
Introduction
Adaptation measures in mountain regions
Trends in adaptation planning and implementation in and for mountain regions
Opportunities for scaling up climate change adaptation in mountain regions
Concluding remarks
References
Chapter 17. Nature-based solutions to reduce risks and build resilience in mountain regions
Abstract
Introduction
Defining nature-based solutions
Mountains’ social-ecological resilience
Nature-based solutions in mountains
Conclusion
References
Chapter 18. Promoting ecosystem-based adaptation and supporting local communities in mountain regions
Abstract
Introduction
Need for adaptation actions at different altitudes
Supporting science, policy, and people: examples from Panchase and Virunga
The Vanishing Treasures programme—promoting climate-smart conservation and ecosystem-based adaptation in the Greater Virunga Landscape
Conclusion: improving ecosystem-based adaptation in mountains
References
Chapter 19. Leave no mountains behind: the sustainable development agenda and mountain areas
Abstract
Mountains and sustainable development goals
Adaptation at Altitude
Adaptation at Altitude: initial achievements
Conclusion
References
Chapter 20. Advancing transformative knowledge for sustainable mountain development: how can a scientific journal bring knowledge into policy and practice?
Abstract
Mountain Research and Development: 40 years of publishing knowledge for sustainable mountain development
Mountain Research and Development plus (MRD+): bringing knowledge into policy and practice
Conclusions
References
Chapter 21. The Mountain Partnership: a global alliance for accelerating action in mountains
Abstract
Introduction
Championing mountains in the 2030 Agenda
Building evidence and capacity for mountains
Joint action for improving livelihoods in mountains
Monitoring for mountain ecosystems and people
Conclusion
References
Further reading
Chapter 22. Making connections for our changing mountains: the Mountain Research Initiative
Abstract
The Mountain Research Initiative: beginnings and objectives
The Mountain Research Initiative and monitoring global change in mountain social-ecological systems
Outlook
References
Further reading
Chapter 23. The role of networks in safeguarding mountain futures: insights from the Mountain Sentinels Collaborative Network
Abstract
Introduction
Formation, history, background of the Mountain Sentinels Network
Looking forward
References
Chapter 24. Scientific collaboration to address socio-ecological challenges of the Caucasus Mountain ecoregion
Abstract
The Caucasus Regional Research Agenda 2020–30
Conclusion
References
Chapter 25. The World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves
Abstract
Introduction
The Man and the Biosphere Programme and its world network of biosphere reserves
The world network of mountain biosphere reserves
Conclusion
References
Part 3: Closing
Chapter 26. Summary and outlook
Abstract
References
Further reading
Index

Stefan Schneiderbauer

Stefan Schneiderbauer is Head of GLOMOS Bolzano Office (Global Mountain Safeguard Research Program) in Italy and senior researcher of the Group Climate and Disaster Risk within the Eurac Research Institute for Earth Observation. Previously Dr Schneiderbauer worked for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the Free University of Berlin and as a freelancing consultant and trainer in the field of international cooperation and capacity building. He holds a Diploma in Geography from the University of Cologne and a PhD in Natural Sciences from the Free University of Berlin. Dr Schneiderbauer has extensive experience in spatial data analysis, remote sensing, sustainable development and participatory approaches for the co-development of evidence-based research results. His current scientific work focuses on concepts and applications for risk analyses conducted in inter- and transdisciplinary teams aiming at policy support. Since more than 12 years his research work is concentrated on climate and natural hazard risks in mountain regions.

Affiliations and expertise

Head of Global Mountain Safeguard Research Program (GLOMOS), Bolzano, Italy

Paola Fontanella Pisa

Paola Fontanella Pisa is Programme Associate of Global Mountain Safeguard Research (GLOMOS) Programme, a joint endeavor of UNU-EHS and Eurac Research in South Tyrol. Holder of a Master of Arts in World Heritage Studies, she completed her studies on World Heritage Studies at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, in Germany. Her research, pursued in Japan as exchange student at the Tsukuba University, investigated the role of memory transmission for disaster risk reduction. Ms. Fontanella Pisa obtained her Bachelor Degree in Language, Culture and Society of Asia and Mediterranean Africa at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, in Italy, where she specialized in Japanese language and culture. Her interest in disaster risk reduction and resilience building is rooted in her experiences working in Japan, in support to communities hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. She is currently PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at Tohoku University, Japan, where she carries out transdisciplinary research on the integration of local knowledge into disaster risk reduction and adaptation pathways in UNESCO mountain Biosphere Reserves. Her scientific work focuses on understanding the dynamics of nature-culture linkages in risk perception, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction, and integrated risk management approaches of mountain social-ecological systems. Before her appointment with UNU-EHS, Ms. Fontanella Pisa has been working with UNESCO in the Natural Science Sector, supporting projects on building resilience of educational infrastructure, and developing related project proposals. Prior to that, Ms. Fontanella Pisa had the opportunity to collaborate with UNU-EHS as Secretariat of the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), hosted by UN Environment’s Crisis Management Branch in Geneva, Switzerland.

Affiliations and expertise

United Nations University (UNU), Bonn, Germany

John F. Shroder

John (Jack) F. Shroder graduated from Union College’s Geology Program in 1961, received a Masters degree at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst in 1963, and a doctorate at the University of Utah in 1967. His first academic job was two years at the University of Malawi in Africa, before he joined the faculty at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in 1969, where he remained for most of the next four decades. In the late 1970s he also spent several years on an NSF grant and a Fulbright at Kabul University in Afghanistan and then in 1983-84 he had another Fulbright to Peshawar University in Pakistan. These experiences led to many years of research in the Hindu Kush and western Himalaya which continued through a host of grants and the thick and thin of the interminable war years and terrorist threats over there. Finally in the post 9/11 world, the difficulties of dealing with the increasing terrorism and avoidance of problems in the field forced a cessation of further work in those difficult countries. Also the declining US economy led to so many other problems at UNO that in summer of 2011, Dr. Shroder stopped teaching his required geology major courses and attempted to retire to his and his wife Susie’s new house in Crested Butte, Colorado. This lasted barely a month before UNO pressured him to return at a vastly reduced part-time salary to once again cover his geomorphology class for the fall semester, 2011. But in the interim, Jack had begun a new editing career for the Elsevier publishing company so that he was spending more of his time producing new volumes of work in geomorphology and hazards analysis. With 30 volumes written or edited by 2012, and 9 more deep into the planning stages, the future of such work for him in his retirement years seems certain. These books go together with the more than 150 other scientific papers he is continuing to publish. Dr. Shroder is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Geological Society of America also asked Jack to join them for the next six years as well, so his deep interests in geology will be maintained. The Association of American Geographers has given Dr. Shroder distinguished career awards twice, once for their Mountain Specialty Group in 2001, and again for their Geomorphology Specialty Group in 2010.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor Emeritus, University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA

Jorg Szarzynski

Jörg Szarzynski serves at UNU-EHS as the Head of the GLOMOS Bonn Office (Global Mountain Safeguard Research Program) and is Co-Director of the Centre for Global Mountain Safeguard Research at Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy. Furthermore, Dr. Szarzynski is Associate Professor at the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC), University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa. He serves as official member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Team, an international emergency response system for sudden-onset emergencies administrated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA). Dr. Szarzynski holds a Diploma in Geography from the University of Bonn and a PhD in Physical Geography and Atmospheric Sciences from the Universities in Mannheim and Göttingen. He has broad expertise in climatology and remote sensing, global environmental change and sustainable development research, capacity-building and web-based data and information management.

Affiliations and expertise

Head of GLOMOS, Bonn, Germany