Euromontana members in Inverness

Invited policy advisers, experts and practitioners from across Europe took part in a discussion on the issues common to mountain and fragile areas throughout Europe today (Friday 13 July) in Inverness.

Board members of Euromontana met at the Centre for Health Science, organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as part of a two day visit to the area.

The delegates discussed key issues around challenges and current policy issued for mountain areas and the impending health check of the CAP and European Rural Development Policy. The recent publication of the European Green paper on climate change was also discussed with opportunities for the Highlands and Islands to take forward.

HIE chair Willy Roe welcomed the delegates followed by a presentation and introduction of participants by Frank Gaskell, president of Euromontana who is also head of HIE's International Affairs team.

Euromontana - the European Association of Mountain Area embraces more than 50 mountain organisations throughout wider Europe, including development and environmental agencies, farmers' organisations and regional authorities.

Mountains cover 40 per cent of the surface of Europe and provide homes and livelihoods for 20 per cent of Europe's population. Euromontana points out that it is the mountain areas that provide the extraordinary economic and cultural diversity of Europe, which they claim with prudent management and encouragement could provide Europe's unique selling point.

The event has attracted high level speakers from throughout Europe, including Tor Bremer, Sogn og Fjordane County Council, Norway who focused on energy. Thomas Egger, director SAB Switzerland spoke about factors for success based on recent experiences in Switzerland.

Scottish members of Euromontana were also represented from Scottish Natural Heritage, UHI and Highland Council.

Visit www.euromontana.org for more information on the association and for details of forthcoming events, studies and projects.