From Tuesday 26th to Thursday 28th September, the international conference “PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN TOURISM: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES” took place in Tbilisi, at the Georgian Technical University, with the participation of numerous academic authorities and institutional representatives from all over the world, committed to promoting sustainable tourism in mountain areas. UNIMONT, the Alpine hub of the University of Milan, was also invited to play a key role in the conference.
During his speech, Prof. Stefano Corsi, Professor of the University of Milan – UNIMONT hub, explored the role of higher education in the sustainable development of mountain areas, using UNIMONT’s activities and initiatives as an example. The speech highlighted the importance of training to promote balanced and long-lasting development of mountain territories, focusing on educational and research projects aimed at enhancing these areas.
The conference was attended by many prominent figures, including the rector of the Georgian Technical University, David Gurgenidze, the rector of the Georgian National University, Gia Kavtelishvili, Beka Jakeli, Director of External Relations at UN Tourism, and Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director for Europe at UN Tourism. In addition, Rosalaura Romeo of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat and colleagues from German and Canadian universities were present, highlighting the international context and strong interest in the issues discussed.
To complete the conference, the following day there was a visit to the Tana Protected Area, a mountain area of great naturalistic value, which offered participants the opportunity to explore and discuss, in the field, strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of these precious natural resources.
UNIMONT’s contribution to the conference underlined the importance of targeted academic training and an integrated approach to address the challenges and opportunities related to sustainable mountain tourism, reinforcing the central role that research and education play in promoting the sustainable development of mountain areas globally.