Wild Land News no 56, Winter 2002/2003

Major IYM conference - 'Nature and People' Article

Scottish Natural Heritage in conjunction with the Centre for Mountain Studies at Perth College organised a major international conference in early November as part of the International Year of the Mountain. The sub-heading for the event was 'Conservation and Management in the mountains of Northern Europe'.

Held over 3 full days, plus an evening reception, this was a well organised and well attended event with strong representation from Scandinavian countries, both in terms of speakers and delegates. With a comprehensive set of papers, handouts and many 'posters' - displays on research and other activities - the delegates were not going to complain about a lack of meat.

The topics covered a wide range, and some might say it was too eclectic; however it was good that the many different strands of activity involving mountains were highlighted. The speaking ability was variable but those given the shortest amount of time seemed to make the best use of it.

The best line of the conference for me came from a quotation repeated by one speaker, that: "Sustainable Development is like teenage sex - everyone says they are doing it; very few actually are; and those that are, are doing it badly".

Overall the fundamental role played by mountains around the world came across very well, and it was certainly established that Scotland's mountains are a key asset in so many ways. The network links established between the different disciplines and delegates during the conference period were very worthwhile.

Alistair Cant