Resource conflicts in mountains: Sources and solutions

Conflicts in mountains develop when different needs compete with each other over limited space and time and on a more severe level, when international boundary issues arise in remote areas. From a political and geographical point of view, mountains represent a special environment in terms of topographic, social and economical constraints. Increasing pressures induced by anthropogenic change and uncertainty of climate change foster the emergence of double-loop conflicts. These characteristically develop at the local scale. Often conflicts occur at the interface between traditional, primary activities and new developing economic activities that have a less environmentally sustainable approach towards natural resources. Nowadays the strain on sharing resources accelerates the tip-over point towards conflicts. In this article, the sources of conflicts will be analysed, a case study of conflicts between a farmer and the tourism industry described and possible conflicts resolutions and prevention suggested. The conclusion summarises the current dimensions of conflicts.