The increasing environmental and social problems arising in mountainous areas of the world ask for a shift of responsibilities from the lowland profiteers to mountain communities. This change has to be accompanied and guided by well-educated mountain experts. Foresters, researchers and scientists working in mountainous environments need a very thorough inter- and trans disciplinary background to ensure both conservation and sustainable use of mountain resources and to understand the complexity and needs of mountain societies. The University of Agricultural Sciences in Vienna (BOKU) has a wide range of experts and teaching staff specialised in mountain forestry and has therefore decided to establish a Master of Science programme in mountain forestry starting in 2002. This Masters programme offers a well-balanced combination of ecology, technology, as well as political and social sciences. Graduates in mountain forestry will thus hopefully be able to make a significant contribution to sustainable mountain development
