Geographer Anaïs Zimmer and an international team of researchers have examined how uncertainty could become a catalyst for collaboration and action in mountain regions rather than simply a barrier to decision-making.

Drawing on 25 case studies across 18 countries and five continents, the team identifies five priorities for more resilient and sustainable mountain futures: co-producing knowledge, bridging disciplines, working across scales, developing forward-looking approaches, and strengthening anticipatory governance.

Zimmer describes the resulting framework as a way to support a shift from reactive responses towards collective learning, participation, and anticipation. The researchers hope it will assist communities, researchers, policymakers, local authorities, and protected-area managers navigating accelerating environmental and societal change.