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IPROMO 2023 concludes, celebrating young mountain leaders

27.07.2023

The sixteenth annual IPROMO training course successfully concluded on 25 July 2023 after two weeks of immersive on-site learning in the Italian Alps dedicated to sustainable mountain development. This year’s emphasis brought 36 practitioners, all under the age of 35, from 26 countries to participate in the course, making it IPROMO’s youngest and largest cohort to date. To recognize their dedication, each attendee received a diploma and 40 credit hours for completing the course.

IPROMO 2023 focused on shaping the future of mountain forests by examining the sustainable mountain forest management and the vital role of youth involvement in these efforts.

"Thank you to the IPROMO 2023 attendees, scientific directors and course managers. This annual course is part of the Mountain Partnership’s efforts to improve the sustainable management of mountain areas and improve mountain people’s livelihoods,” said Rosalaura Romeo, Coordinator of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, congratulating everyone involved in the organization of this year’s programme.

Participants attended lectures on several different topics, such as mountain forest soils, the hydrological cycle, climate change, disaster risk reduction, mountain farming systems, and the cultural and spiritual significance of nature in mountains. Lecturers included university professors, officers from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

The students also visited several popular mountain destinations in northern Italy. The first field trip was in the mountains of Asiago. Participants then traveled to Italy’s Aosta Valley, with field visits to the Monte Rosa Glacier in the Alps between Italy and France as well as Fort Bard.

The lectures and field trips provided participants the tools and skills that contribute to the integrated management of mountain areas. Allison Bozzi, participant and outreach expert at the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, said, “The IPROMO 2023 programme was a delightful mix of interactive workshops, inspiring lectures, and hands-on field activities. Surrounded by majestic peaks and lush green valleys, the serene environment set the perfect backdrop for a transformative experience. One of the most impactful aspects of IPROMO was the diversity of the participants. We were a melting pot of cultures, experiences, and perspectives, bound together by a common goal: to champion sustainability in mountains.”

Oshin Sharma of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Nepal, added, “Mountains matter, and with the pressing concerns of climate change, it is now more crucial than ever that their relevance resonates strongly with those who do not live in these regions.”

Rocío Garcia of the Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales, Agroecología y Desarrollo Rural, National University of Rio Negro, Argentina, said, “IPROMO was an inspiring experience, an opportunity to learn multidisciplinary content about mountains with wonderful people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

Zenepe Dafku of the Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania, said, “From learning valuable lessons in mountaineering, experiencing this incredible ecosystem to exploring new cultures and building lifelong friendships, IPROMO was an adventure that left a lasting impression.”

Ritikaa Gupta of the Canadian Forest Service said, “IPROMO was really empowering. I had the chance to learn in detail about different mountain ecosystems around the world and how I, as a young forester, can contribute to the sustainability and protection of these delicate systems.”

IPROMO is jointly organized by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, the University of Turin, Italy, and the University of Tuscia, Italy, with the high patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The course was chaired by Danilo Godone of the National Research Council – Research Institute for Hydrogeological Prevention and Protection, a member of the Mountain Partnership.

Learn more about IPROMO 2023