In October "The High Mountains" participated in the 13th European Conference on Mountain Areas, organised by Euromontana, the Catalan Government and CREAF. The event was based on the 2050 vision for mountain regions, which was formulated during the previous European Conference held in Calabria in 2022, and focused on how mountain economies will become more sustainable, resilient and prosperous.
In the section"What makes mountain communities tick?" Sotiris Tsoukarelis and Panos Liberopoulos, members of the Cooperative, presented the vision of the Epirus Living Lab and the actions that have been carried out so far for the creation of a Mountain Labs Network, leveraging abandoned public infrastructure. The aim is to form communities that exchange knowledge and resources, with the aim of developing sustainable solutions that enhance personal, professional and social development.
Since 2018, with the establishment of the first open lab in Kalentzi Ioannina - Tzoumakers -, the initiative has attracted scientists, researchers, professionals, craftsmen, producers, artists and people seeking to relocate to mountain areas. Its activities have revitalised the local community, generating at times vibrant social and economic activity, and it continues to develop a range of practical solutions, services and infrastructure that can strengthen other mountain and rural areas. The network aims to bridge the local with the global, creating a new narrative for life in mountain communities.
In addition, the proposal of the High Mountains for the development of Population Attraction Centers in cooperation with Mountain Municipalities, with the aim of supporting the repopulation of mountain areas. These centers will act as information and interface hubs, providing practical support to those interested in settling in a mountain village, facilitating their adaptation to the new environment.
So far, The High Mountains has started the creation of an Ambassador Network in mountain villages, connecting locals with those seeking a new life in the mountains. The Ambassadors offer guidance on adaptation, facilitating the integration of new residents.
Population Attraction Centers can enhance this initiative by creating an organized database of available housing, job opportunities, local businesses and community needs. Through this structure, stakeholders will have immediate and reliable information, easing their transition and expediting the resettlement process.
About the European Mountain Conventions
European Mountain Conventions are major events for mountain stakeholders in Europe. Euromontana organises this event every two years together with one of its member organisations, each time in a different European mountain region. The Conventions typically attract hundreds of experts and stakeholders from different sectors across Europe, including representatives from the European Commission, national ministries, local businesses, universities and development agencies.