Written by international authors, this book presents a comprehensive view of forests in mountain regions, and their sustainable development. It is based on a report prepared by the UUFRO Task Force in Sustainable Mountain Development, for the IUFRO Congress held in August 2000. The book addresses issues and initiatives, and defines research needs. Key global topics are addressed in general articles, and many specific regional issues, for example, impacts on forest lakes in Ecuador, are described in shorter case studies.