Project priorities

Priorities areas of action are the following:

1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of mountain policies, including social, economic, institutional and environmental aspects, in relation to sustainable agriculture and rural development principles. This analysis will capitalize on existing literature, partners’ experiences and case-studies.
2. Analyze positive and negative externalities of mountain regions through a comparative review of existing methods and tools focusing on water, biodiversity, agricultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, demographic trends, tourism, livelihoods diversification, social and environmental services.
3. Strengthen local institutions by developing training materials and courses, in close collaboration with NGOs, producers’ associations, cooperatives and community-based organizations.

Raising awareness on sustainable agriculture and rural development in mountain regions is also part of the SARD-M Project. Communication, coordination and networking are indispensable support activities for the implementation of the project.