UNIMONT, the Alpine hub of the University of Milan, led the Consortium General Meeting of the Horizon Europe MountResilience Project, for which it serves as coordinator. The event, which has just concluded, took place in Kilpisjärvi, Northern Lapland (Finland), bringing together researchers, experts, and representatives from public and private institutions of the project’s 47 partners, active across 13 European countries.
Over the three days of work, participants discussed actions and strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation in European mountain regions and evaluated long-term perspectives for strengthening the resilience of these territories. The program included thematic workshops and field visits, with the aim of integrating scientific knowledge and enhancing local best practices.
MountResilience, launched in 2023 and coordinated by UNIMONT under the scientific leadership of Prof. Giorgi and the project management of Dr. Sala, involves 47 partners from 13 European countries. The project aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of European mountain regions to climate change. Considering that mountains cover about 36% of Europe’s territory and are particularly vulnerable to extreme phenomena, MountResilience seeks to identify and develop innovative solutions and shared resilience strategies.
Adapting to changes imposed by nature while preserving the economy, traditions, and local culture — and thus the vitality of settlements and the well-being of communities — is a global challenge, especially crucial in mountain regions. Mobilizing all components of society and raising awareness of what is happening, together with sharing practical solutions, represent the first and essential step toward the necessary changes.
Precisely because of their particular vulnerability to these phenomena, mountain regions are true laboratories for identifying effective solutions. This is what UNIMONT has long maintained and, thanks to its constant presence in the Alpine area of Edolo at the University of Milan, it has gained the necessary experience to lead complex processes for the protection and sustainable development of mountain areas, from the mountains themselves.
