European Union's executive body unveils a fresh plan to advocate for the employment of mountain landscapes within the European Union.
The annual International Mountain Conference (IMC) in Innsbruck, Austria, recently brought together experts from various fields for a week of academic exchange, focusing on the critical topic of sustainable land use and its impact on planetary health.
The conference, held in the picturesque city that offers numerous opportunities for meetings, exchanges, and planning outdoor activities, featured a combination of focus sessions and synthesis workshops. The latter, taking place on the last day, allowed communities to reflect on the conference contents, develop new perspectives, and research approaches.
One of the key topics discussed was the reconciliation of changes in land use systems with planetary health. This included climate-resilient crop and animal production, protection of soil, water, and biodiversity, sustainable nutrition systems, and social innovations with a gender-sensitive perspective.
Among the experts was Michael Meyer, an associated professor at the University of Innsbruck who heads the Innsbruck Quaternary Research Group and the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) lab. Meyer's research, primarily conducted at the OSL lab, uses Optically Stimulated Luminescence to precisely date archaeological artifacts and rocks.
This technique allows for the drawing of conclusions about landscape development, environmental changes, and human-environment relationships in prehistoric times. Meyer, who studied and received his PhD at the Institute of Geology at the University of Innsbruck, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
The IMC, organised by the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG), offers a unique opportunity to invite experts like Meyer to Innsbruck each year. The conference serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the field of sustainable land use and mountain research.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable development, events like the International Mountain Conference play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and strategies for a more resilient future.
