Bridging the gap from visioning to action: Co-creating transformative pathways with mountain communities
Official URL
Abstract
Climate change is radically reshaping mountain landscapes and the livelihoods of their communities. In this context, compelling visions of desirable futures serve as vital starting points for guiding the profound changes required for sustainability transformations in ice-free futures. Transdisciplinary processes that cultivate collective imagination and a shared sense of purpose can strengthen both individual and collective commitment to action. However, despite the variety of visioning approaches, translating visions into tangible on-the-ground action remains a persistent challenge. Participatory visioning involves the co-creation of shared visions, the identification of pathways to achieve them, and the development of implementation strategies. These processes are inherently transdisciplinary, integrating diverse perspectives and forms of knowledge. However, to truly drive transformative action, participatory visioning must be designed to yield outcomes that go beyond the formulation of visions or strategies. Such outcomes often spark social innovations by generating new ideas, transforming relationships, fostering shared understandings, reshaping governance practices, and building collective capacities. In doing so, they contribute to environmental, cultural, and economic change. This contribution draws on insights from two research projects: 1) An in-depth case study of a transition management process aimed at achieving climate neutrality in the Eastern Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland. 2) A synthesis project that developed an action-oriented guiding framework to support researchers and practitioners in designing, realizing, and evaluating participatory visioning processes. Hence, participatory visioning can help mountain communities govern transition processes toward more sustainable and resilient futures.
Date Issued
2026-05
Publication Type
Conference Item
Subjects
visioning
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transdisciplinarity
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innovation
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transformation
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Title of Event
Related URL(s)
https://forumalpinum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Book_of_Abstracts_ForumAlpinum_2026.pdf
Access(Rights)
metadata.only