The inscription as Natural World Heritage site in 2001 confirmed the special value and the extraordinary beauty of the natural and cultural landscape of the region. But this recognition implies the responsibility to make the world Heritage visible and to safeguard its outstanding value. Good knowledge of the dynamic of the World Heritage Region is fundamental for a long term conservation of the values.
Other research priorities are
- Impact of the global change
- Sustainable governance of natural resources
- Innovation und collective learning
- Ecosystem services
- Methods und instruments of sustainable mountain development
Particularly the needs of the World Heritage Region have to be reflected in the research strategy.