Scientific Research Basis for Sustainable Development of the Mountain Regions: Main Concepts and Basic Theories

Abstract

European policy toward the mountain regions aims at achieving sustainability by using cohesion and integration policies, as well as multi-sectoral and regional approaches. Under the conditions of global change, the role of scientific research in the implementation of these policies acquires additional importance. Scientific understanding of the theoretical base and the concepts involved would best serve sustainable development policies in the mountain regions. This chapter provides an overview of definitions of fundamental concepts, like “sustainability” and “sustainable development,” “multidisciplinarity,” “interdisciplinarity,” and “transdisciplinarity.” Having in mind that the diversity and complexity are typical characteristics of mountain areas, both socially and environmentally, the chapter discusses advantages and drawbacks of the implementation of the DPSIR model and the concepts of “multidisciplinary,” “interdisciplinary,” and “transdisciplinary.” This analysis is expected to support the following conclusions: (1) Sustainable development policies must be grounded in the basic concepts of economic theory, including “throughput,” instead of “utility.” (2) Mountain research necessitates transdisciplinary approaches.