The Mountain Specificities

While designing and implementing public and private interventions in the mountain areas, at both macro- and micro-levels, explicit consideration should be given to their characteristics. The important mountain characteristics or conditions that distinguish mountain regions from other areas can be termed mountain specificities.

When any development intervention or resource-use practice overlooks the presence and operational imperatives of mountain specificities, it tends to lead to long-term unsustainability. Taking into consideration these specific characteristics will certainly assist in facilitating long-term sustainability of mountain resources' management. These mountain specificities can be both a constraint and an opportunity to mountain development.

Basic Factors Underlying Mountain Specificities

  • A. Habitat
  • B. Society

    Mountain Specifities and Their Development Imperatives


    Dimension and Major Imperatives for Development Interventions
    Mountain
    Specifities
    Physical
    (Climatic, Edaphic)
    BiologicalSocial/CulturalEconomic
    Inaccessability Reduce through multiple options such as roads, ropeways, waterways, telecom, etc. Explore and develop as new available resources (e.g., unexplored, unexploited genetic resources)Reudce through education, participation, and support systemsReduce disparities

    Improve accessibility- special programmes for target groups
    FragilityReduce by stabilization, conservation measures

    Restricted use and other conservation measures
    Conserve by R&D and other support systems(e.g., endangered genetic resources/species)Protect value systems/institutions endangered by developmentStrengthen sustenance capabilities through dependable options
    MarginalityReduce and prevent by physical and biological measures

    Regulate use intensity
    Conserve and reduce by R&D support

    Integrate with farming systems development
    Reduce by institutional reforms and support systems

    Prevent by controlling the negative side effects of development interventions
    Reduce by special support programmes; opportunities

    Prevent by safeguarding against backlash of development
    DiversityDiversified/decentralised approach to use and development options

    Homogeneise some resource categorise by irrigation, land-shaping, etc.
    Harness, enhance through support systems, infrastructure R&D useProtect and orient to integrationReduce inequalities

    Strengthen diverse options/flexibilities
    Niche/Comparative advantagePrevent over-exploitation and its negative side effectsHarness, enhance through support systems, infrastructure, prevent over-exploitationEncourage traditional skills and craftsHarness with better terms of trade
    Adaptation
    Experiences
    Incorporate ethno-engineering knowledge in development interventionsIncorporate folk knowledge of resource utilisation/conservation in development optionsIncorporate rationale of traditional practices in development activitiesComplement new interventions with traditional economic activities


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