The SARD-M Project team took part in the 4th European Mountain Convention at Rodez (France) on 25-26 November 2004, which was attended by 430 professionals representing agencies, technical institutions, local authorities and civil society organisations of the mountain territories of 21 European countries. At the convention organised by Euromontana – a network of European organisations with a strong interest in rural development issues in mountain areas – the delegates devoted a plenary session to debating the issues of livelihoods and production in mountain zones, the cost of living in mountain regions, and European policies, particularly in relation to State aid. Five workshops covered the following themes: local development, natural resources, youth and cultural heritage, research, and governance from the specific viewpoint of mountains.