Revisiting Mountain Areas

Throughout the ages mountain areas have been approached using multiple perspectives and standards. According to the different scientific, cultural, and economic characteristics of each specific society, mountain areas have also been used differently as the perspectives in each society have evolved. Currently, mountain areas are still characterized by their difficult physical and biological conditions. The development of human economic activities is highly constrained in mountain areas and only a few touristic and sporting activities find ideal conditions in these spaces. Nevertheless, mountains are still of enormous importance to the survival of humankind since they are a vast source of natural resources. This text tries to clarify the different perspectives societies have held about mountain areas throughout the ages and highlight the importance of these spaces for global sustainability. The delineation of mountain areas in the EU territory and in Portugal is used to exemplify this evolution.