In recognition of the critical role of mountain ecosystems in providing goods and services to humanity, a new long-term, multidisciplinary research strategy, the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) has been launched. The ultimate objectives of the MRI are to develop strategies for detecting signals of global environmental change in mountain environments, to define the consequences of these changes for mountain regions as well as lowland areas dependent on mountain resources, and to facilitate the development of sustainable resource management policies for mountain regions. To achieve these objectives, the MRI is structured around four cross-cutting research activities: 1) long-term monitoring, 2) integrated model-based studies, 3) process studies along altitudinal gradients and 4) sustainability strategies. The MRI has been formally endorsed by IHDP, GTOS and the four core projects of IGBP and will involve close collaboration between these organizations. Additional information about the MRI may be found at:
http://mri.scnatweb.ch/.
