Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, 2011 Southeastern Europe

The mountain regions in Southeastern Europe are unique natural regions of great beauty and ecological value, and home of the head waters of major rivers. They constitute a major ecological, economic, cultural, recreational and living environment in Europe, shared by numerous cultures and countries. The Southeastern European Mountain Regions are an important reservoir for biodiversity and habitats in Europe. A great number of protected areas ? national parks, nature parks, reserves and nature monuments are located in these regions. From a socio-economic point of view the mountain regions are among the poorest areas in the Southeastern European countries, but they have potential for the implementation of successful economic activities. There are opportunities for development of these regions and, in particular, for trans-border integration and co-operation.

This book brings together research results from experts from all Balkan countries working on the problems of the mountain regions in Southeastern Europe. The volume focuses on the challenges taking place along the rapid transformation in land use, biodiversity, tourism, nature risk and bio-productivity due to the global changes and particularly due to the local impacts of climate change. The key questions for discussion are:

- Biodiversity, nature protection and conservation

- Natural disasters and risk management

- Social-economical development of the mountain regions

- Spatial planning in the development of the mountain regions

- Sustainable practices and politics for land use

- Transborder co-operation.

Part I Global Problems and Mountain Regions

1 Scientific Research Basis for Sustainable Development of the Mountain Regions: Main Concepts and Basic Theories

2 Solar Activity – Climate Change and Natural Disasters in Mountain Regions

3 Mass Movement Processes Under Changing Climatic and Socioeconomic Conditions

Part II Nature Resources and Land Use in Mountain Regions

4 Mountains and Mountain Regions in Bulgaria

5 The Natural Potential of Mountains in Bulgaria and Its Sustainable Use

6 Morphometry and Land Use on the Mountains in Republic of Macedonia

7 Usage of the Mountain Areas in the Republic of Macedonia

8 Landscape Structure and Ecosystem Services of Etropole Municipality

9 Evaluation of the Avalanche Danger in Northwest Rila Mountain

10 Management of Snow Avalanche Risk in the Ski Areas of the Southern Carpathians-Romanian Carpathians

11 BEO Moussala – A New Facility for Complex Environment Studies

12 Researches of Field Evidence for Late Quaternary Climate Changes in the Highest Mountains of Bulgaria

Part III Social, Economic and Regional Problems of Mountain Regions

13 Demographic Potential and Problems of the Settlements Network in the Mountains of Bulgaria

14 Demographic Limits to Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions in Serbia

15 Regional Differences and Regional Planning of Economic Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

16 On the Sunny Side of the Alps: Slovenian Mountains and Their Perspectives

17 Impact of Macroeconomic Changes and Property Rights on Forest Degradation, Land Use and Environmental Situation in Albania

18 Sustainable Development in the Eastern Black Sea Mountains: Present State and Perspectives

19 Changes in the Ethnic and Demographic Profile of the Population in Eastern Stara Planina Region

Part IV Nature Protection andConservation

20 Applying Integrated Nature Conservation Management: Visitor Management and Monitoring of Winter Recreation Activities Focusing Grouse Species in Berchtesgaden National Park

21 Human Pressure on the Environment in the “Mun¸tii Maramure¸sului” Natural Park

Part V Networks and Strategies for Mountain Regions

22 Models and Strategies for Sustainable Management of Mountain Territories in Central andSoutheastern Europe

23 Science Networks for Global Change in Mountain Regions: The Mountain Research Initiative

Index