Mountain Identity and Development Aspirations

Abstract

This article refers to management issues of mountainous areas, with emphasis on the built environment, highlighting "identity" as a key element for development perspectives and aspirations. Mountain areas are addressed as a system, the identity of which has to be recognized, in terms of protection, promotion, and integrated development. The concept of identity is explored through its reference to the elements that constitute mountain settlements, as well as the conditions of its recognition, protection, and promotion. Further, through the idea of the deliberate “construction” of place-identity and its correlation to the development process, mountain settlements are discussed. References are be made to key concepts related to the issues, such as tradition, tangible and intangible, and the cultural and economic importance of its preservation, considering culture as a key pillar for integrated development. In this context, key issues concerning development aspirations include the component elements of the cultural character and identity of mountainous settlements, its problems, the changes, and the dangers that may threaten them, the relationship between its integrated protection and sustainable development, as well as the problems and strategies of creating and implementing a management plan that ensures its preservation, protection, and invigoration. The article is founded on the research that took place within the framework of the postgraduate program, “Environment and Development of Mountains Regions”, annually held at the Metsovion Interdisciplinary Research Center (MIRC) in the Hellenic Mountain Area of Metsovo, Greece.