The Carpathian Mountains: Challenges for the Central and Eastern European Landmark

Abstract

The Carpathians are a very distinct mountain chain and a major landscape landmark in the core of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Carpathians are characterized by valuable biological resources and a rich cultural heritage that is of high importance for the Carpathian countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine). Historically the Carpathian Region has experienced many political changes and conflicts including more than 40 years of communism that restricted development of an efficient pan-Carpathian scientific co-operation. In contrast, the last 20 years allowed remarkable increase in the awareness of the value of the Carpathians for the European society and opened new opportunities for most Carpathian countries after their accession to the European Union. The 1st Forum Carpaticum held in 2010 in Kraków, Poland, is a perfect example of this trend. This book presents a subset of research problems related to the sustainable development of the Carpathian region discussed at the event. Four sections of the book deal with various issues related to abiotic environment, forests and biodiversity, human activities in the region and research methods allowing a better understanding of the past, present and future of the Carpathians.