| Abstract | Overcoming poverty in mountain regions is an increasing challenge. Historically, mountain communities have been largely self-sufficient. Some land has been utilized individually, other areas such as forest communally. Trade in specific goods has often been important. However, many traditional structures are disappearing or have disappeared, and new institutions are now needed. These should combine the strengths of both tradition and innovation. Five specific requirements can be identified: involvement of communities in processes of government, sustainable resource management, mechanisms to reduce poverty and social injustice, promotion of local economies, and stronger national and international coordination of development. Taking the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region as an example,there is currently little involvement of mountain people in decision-making. A notable exception is Bhutan with its tradition of annual royal audiences. Traditional regulation of resource use has largely been lost and needs to be replaced. Successful examples are joint forest management schemes in India and Nepal. New mechanisms of poverty reduction are also essential. At regional economy level, there is a need for physical infrastructure improvement, promotion of credit systems, and price information provision. International cooperation is essential, an example being the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu. |