Country Focus

Mountain areas form a significant part of Austria, covering 70% of its territory and hosting 56% of all its farms. Austrian mountains, however, are also often classified as disadvantaged regions due to topographical and climatic factors. Farming in these high-elevation areas presents challenges, but also yields quality products vital for sustaining local cultures. In the face of economic challenges, policy support and off-farm activities have significantly improved living conditions for mountain farm households. Read on to better understand how policy-making can positively impact mountain farming and its role in sustaining cultural landscapes and providing employment in Austria's mountainous regions.

From revitalising town centres to propelling sustainability initiatives, digital technology serves as a catalyst for positive change. In support of these developments, the .ie Digital Town Awards in Ireland honour the strides made by communities across the country in embracing digital innovation. With significant investment and political support, these awards highlight the transformative power of digital in diverse spheres of life, starting from their potential to enhance connectivity to their role in revolutionising agricultural practices. As we celebrate the achievements of digital pioneers in Ireland with “.ie” - the country’s official registry of .ie domain names – we are reminded that innovation knows no bounds and inspires communities to embrace the possibilities of the digital age. 

Risovac is a remote village that was named for its abundance of wild cats, locally known as ‘ris.’ It is a hidden place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its natural beauty preserved at the far northwestern end of Petrovačko Polje in the Grmeč mountains and a ways off the bumpy road from Bosanski Petrovac to Bosanska Krupa. Join MARGISTAR’s Dr Violeta Santrač as she begins her fieldwork and recently launched project to better understand this small, remote, and marginalised village.

Join MARGISTAR’s Dr Bruno Marić in exploring the forests and mountainous regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the valuable insights into geological formations and biodiversity these landscapes offer. From the intricate network of valleys to the country’s diverse forests, read on to find out how Bosnia and Herzegovina's terrains serve as a natural laboratory for scientific exploration.

Follow along as MARGISTAR’s Prof Theo Lynn (Dublin City University) discusses his journey of an individual residency at Faberlull Andorra. From its mountainous terrain to its bustling tourism economy, Andorra offers a captivating study in digitalisation. Armed with insights from local stakeholders and a dataset of over 7,000 websites, Theo takes a closer look at the complexities of the country’s online presence. Amidst challenges like e-commerce dynamics and talent acquisition, Andorra's digital narrative took shape. Read on for Theo’s experience in uncovering Andorra's digital landscape.

Andorra's model, characterised by high levels of tourism, a highly attractive tax regime, and sustainable land and environmental management within a stable political framework, while desirable, would be complex to replicate. Any such strategy would need to consider the specific geographic location and topology of a given region as well as local nuances and context, not least the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal, and environmental factors discussed above. It would require an unprecedented political will and unity to commit to a multi-government project over several decades. What might that roadmap look like?