Europe’s mountains cover nearly 40% of the continent’s territory and are home to 17% of its population. However, these areas often face significant challenges, such as economic marginalisation, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, and poor territorial cohesion.

The European project MARGISTAR aims to address these issues by connecting experts, local communities, and policymakers through in-person meetings in participating countries or via the digital platform FAIRWAY in Europe. This virtual space facilitates dialogue and the co-creation of innovative solutions to promote environmental and social sustainability in marginalised mountain areas. Launched in September 2022 and scheduled to run until 2026, the project brings together over 100 scientists and stakeholders from more than 30 countries.

The role of the Edmund Mach Foundation: sustainability and natural resource valorisation
Among MARGISTAR’s contributors, the Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM) stands out for its expertise in the natural and environmental sectors. FEM conducts advanced studies on the sustainable management of forest ecosystem services, focusing on balanced resource management and the development of innovative solutions that address social needs related to tourism, well-being, and recreational use in mountain regions.

This week, FEM is hosting a key milestone of the project at its campus in San Michele all’Adige. This event serves as an opportunity to assess the progress of ongoing activities and outline future objectives. It also aims to strengthen the collaborative network between science and local communities, which is essential for fostering sustainable and inclusive development.

Official website: margistar.eu