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The Mountain Mistra Programme: Possibilities and limitations in the Swedish mountain region
Tomas Willebrand |
The Swedish mountain region is characterized by a scarce
population; with less than 2% of the Swedish population
(150,000 residents live on an area of 145,000 km2). The
region contains large wilderness areas and conservation
values. Forestry has been the major source of
employment, but today less than 10% are employed in this
sector. Tourism has been proposed as a potential future
source of employment. The local municipality is the most
important employer at present, either directly in
administration or indirectly through schools, health
care, etc. All the previous development in the region
has been based on natural resources in vast areas where
resources are low in density, and where production is
low. The Sami have especially strong links to the land
due to their culture and long tradition in the area.
There is a transition creating shifts in cultural
outlooks, adjustments in economic activities and
reconfigurations in social networks and political
alliances. High levels of unemployment, a declining
population, and an increase in the needs of modern man
in combination with an increased competition over
natural resources has lead to stress and conflicts.
Values of the general society may also override opinions
and values of local people, creating a sense of
powerlessness in the local communities.
The foundation of this research program is that future
management of natural resources in the mountain region,
and any external disturbance of these systems, is best
understood from the perspectives of the most relevant
disciplines, including ecology, economics, sociology,
political science and historic-cultural studies. A
common view of the possibilities and limitations of
different forms of land use of the Swedish mountain
region becomes considerably strengthened. The program
goal is to develop scientifically based strategies for
the management and long-term development of the mountain
region's resources. Our framework incorporates
knowledge, concepts, tools and examples that cut across
scientific disciplines, as well as input from
stakeholders.
The Mountain Mistra program began its work in 2000,
after an initial planning phase of two years. It was
reorganized in 2002 to increase the focus on
interdisciplinary work and to develop a two way
communication with stakeholder groups. In this paper, I
will present the development of the program using
research results to exemplify the complex nature of the
problems addressed. I will also highlight some
conclusions from managing a research program with
researchers from more than five disciplines and a strong
effort to produce results that are directly relevant for
users. |
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