EU COST Action, MARGISTAR, Launched to Further Sustainability in Mountainous Regions
MARGISTAR, an EU-funded COST Action aimed at furthering inclusive, competitive, and green mountainous regions, was launched in collaboration with 27 countries and more than 100 participants this April. The project supports international collaboration that invites scholars, inhabitants, civil society, entrepreneurs, local government, and policymakers to work together to bring about transformative change towards more connected and resilient mountainous communities.
Country Focus
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.
Country Focus
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.
Conferences
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.
Country Focus
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.
Country Focus
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.