Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Today, mountain regions worldwide are being affected by negative developments: labor intensive, high altitude farming is no longer worth while and the practice is being abandoned. Younger generations are migrating to urban centers. This large-scale demographic change is having a negative impact on the infrastructure of small towns: first, kindergardens close, then elementary schools, before the local grocery store gives up and the public bus begins traveling less and less frequently. How can such negative developments be stopped?

This seminar introduces successful strategies for addressing these issues, which lead to innovative projects and enables exchange between engaged players.