MARGISTAR on the Road

Vladimir’s STSM Experience in Sofia: Insights & Reflections

Recently, MARGISTAR’s Vladimir Stojanovski had the opportunity to participate in a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Bulgarian Academy of Science’s Forest Research Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria. This STSM was linked to MARGISTAR’s tasks in that it aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainable forestry and rural development. As a researcher focused on the socio-economic aspects of forestry in marginalised regions, particularly in North Macedonia and South-West Bulgaria, this mission was a pivotal experience in his academic and professional journey.

Reflections from the Futures of Natural Resources Conference and Researcher Practices

In this blog, I report my personal experience at the Futures of Natural Resources Conference and reflect on the transformative ways researchers can participate in conferences to achieve the biggest possible positive research and outreach benefits and the least possible negative social-ecological impact.

MARGISTAR at the 21st Rural Entrepreneurship Conference: Empowering Rural Futures through Entrepreneurial Potential in a Net-Zero Era 

From June 5 to 7, MARGISTAR’s Anita Busljeta Tonkovic for the fourth time visited the Rural Entrepreneurship Conference at the University of Leeds, England. Although the conference location changes annually, it is host to a regular group of academics who Anita has been meeting and maintaining international scientific collaborations with for years. Read about Anita’s experiences and how these have changed since her first visit as a postdoctoral researcher in 2016.

Fiona’s Short-Term Scientific Mission in Novi Sad, Serbia: Tourism Research Training in a Leafy Green City Steeped in History 

This May, MARGISTAR’s Fiona Bakas attended a MARGISTAR Short-Term Scientific Mission in Novi Sad, Serbia, hosted by Tamara Jovanović at Novi Sad University. The mission focused on quantitative methodologies for destination personality research in marginalised mountainous areas and fostering international collaboration. The experience included valuable training, cultural immersion, and networking, leading to discussions on joint research projects. Read on to find out how this mission enriched Fiona’s professional competences and set a foundation for future sustainable creative practices in Europe's mountainous regions.

Exploring the Hidden Part of Croatia: A Short-Term Scientific Mission to Lika, Croatia 

In the period from May 13 to 17, MARGISTAR’s Tamara Jovanović and Igor Ponjiger visited the region of Lika, Croatia. They were invited by the Gospić branch of the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar and Velebit Nature Park. Over the course of five days, they achieved their scientific goals and got to know a fascinating part of Croatia that is often overlooked. Because their research and interests are closely tied and they have in the past collaborated on several papers within MARGISTAR, they decided to take the trip during the same period. Read on for more about their mission and the experiences they had.

Creating the MARGISTAR Vision Workshop

Participating in a Virtual Mobility last June with Dublin City University was a pivotal experience for MARGISTAR’s Irene Christoforidi in designing the MARGISTAR Vision Workshop. This workshop aims to engage stakeholders in marginalised mountainous communities across the EU, enabling them to imagine future possibilities and develop actionable strategies for overcoming marginalisation challenges. Read on to better understand the outputs of this collaboration between Greece and Ireland and the budding initiative for community transformation in marginalised mountain areas.

Empowering Women and Marginalised Groups in Serbia’s Mountains: Harnessing Natural Resources and Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Success

In the rural mountainous areas of Serbia, women face significant challenges due to traditional patriarchal norms. These norms have long marginalised women, limiting their participation in economic activities outside the household and excluding them from decision-making processes both at home and within their communities. Despite legal prohibitions against gender discrimination, women in these regions still face substantial barriers to achieving equality.

Ferlanda’s Short-Term Scientific Mission at ClimLaw: Graz: Examining Climate Change and Its Impact on Urban Development and Legal Regulation

MARGISTAR’s Ferlanda Luna participated in a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at ClimLaw: Graz in Graz, Austria. The mission focused on interdisciplinary research into data practices and examining their multiple dimensions, and provided a platform for discussing legal concepts and regulatory frameworks for managing climate vulnerabilities. This experience involved comparative desk research on urban public policies and risk management across different countries, enriching Ferlanda’s research methodologies and understanding of diverse climate impacts. Continue reading to learn more about the mission and its effects on Ferlanda’s research.

Wild Mushrooms: A Chance for Marginalised Mountain Regions in Serbia

In Serbia, particularly in rural and mountainous regions, mushroom collection has emerged as a crucial economic activity. Nutrient-dense mushrooms, packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, are harvested both for personal consumption and commercial sales. This activity bolsters local economies, preserves traditional knowledge, and enhances community bonds, proving to be a valuable pursuit for many rural residents.

From Cities to Peaks: How Serbia’s Mountain and Rural Tourism is Changing for the Better

Serbia's tourism sector, traditionally focused around major cities, is increasingly highlighting its mountainous regions. These areas are becoming prominent tourism hubs due to their natural beauty and opportunities for activities such as hiking, skiing, and ecotourism. The rich natural resources in these regions support various outdoor activities, including hunting. Find out how mountain tourism, alongside spa and wellness tourism, plays a crucial role in Serbia's overall tourism development, helping diversify rural livelihoods and improve local economic conditions.