SARD-M Report for the Carpathian Convention Member States. Assessment of Policies, Institutions and Processes

This SARD-M synthesis report represents a pioneering study. For the first time Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in Mountain Regions (SARD-M) as well as related Policies, Institutions and Processes (PIPs) in the Carpathian region are discussed together in one comprehensive assessment. SARD-M is a complementary component of the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians (CC). It is addressed in the Convention’s programme of implementation, which came into force in January 2006 (FAO, 2007a). The CC provides different application fields with an integrated platform for multi-sectoral policy coordination, including sustainable agriculture and forestry. As a result, thematic issues important to the development of mountain regions are emphasised (Article 4 – Biodiversity; Article 9 – Tourism; Article 6 – Water Management; Article 8 – Transport and Infrastructure; Article 10 – Industry and Energy). Overall it is accepted that the development of the Carpathian mountain region is not so much dependent on any one single factor or sector as on the successful coordination of all of them. In particular, the development of the agricultural and forestry sectors is influenced significantly by other sectors operating in related fields (BAUER, 1999). According to the most acknowledged definition, SARD refers to a process which is ecologically sound, environmentally sustainable, economically viable, socially just, culturally appropriate, humane, based on a holistic scientific approach, and productive over the long term. Within the context of the Carpathian mountain region, this definition appears to be very idealistic and far from the current reality. Thus Carpathian countries will have to make a very intensive and complicated effort to reach the desired goals (FAO, 2007c). The necessity of a common approach is also defined in Article 3 of the Carpathian Convention (CC). Consequently the parties must apply an integrated land resource management approach anchored in Chapter 10 of Agenda 21, by developing and implementing appropriate tools (integrated management plans) for the Carpathian Convention area.