Transformative Changes and Conflicts in the Carpathian Mountains in the Post-Communist Period

A transformative shift in the Carpathian Mountains, marked by the decline of large-scale mining and economic restructuring post-communism, has led to significant population decline, demographic aging, and landscape transformation. The study highlights a pivotal conflict surrounding plans for cyanide gold and silver mining at Roșia Montană, which were halted due to unprecedented public resistance. This civic movement, coupled with efforts to preserve Roman-era mining works, culminated in the site's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021, prohibiting future mining activities. The research employs a multi-stage methodology to analyze these changes, national policies, and socioeconomic impacts, revealing the struggle between resource exploitation and preservation, globalizing pressures, and local resistance.

Stoica, I.-V., Zamfir, D., Gavrilidis, A.-A., & Houdart, M. (2025). Transformative Changes and Conflicts in the Carpathian Mountains in the Post-Communist Period. Revue de Géographie Alpine, 113-2. https://doi.org/10.4000/15d2v