Are there differences with regard to SARD between developed and developing countries?
No. SARD is an integrated policy concept which all countries can make use of. A visible difference rather lies in the countries’ level of development. In Switzerland we also had to solve the land tenure question, for instance, or the enormous over-exploitation of forests. Today, developed and developing countries have much in common. One fact in common is that in most countries, agriculture and rural areas have to struggle to generate sufficient income. With a joint strategy much more can be reached, be it nationally or internationally. How can the recognition of the multifunctional character of agriculture benefit sustainable development in mountains? The implementation of the multifunctional character of agriculture in mountain areas results in important secondary benefits for various different spheres: the environment, landscape, tourism, industry, and social life in villages. However, it also reduces rural-urban migration. In this sense, agriculture plays an important role in the p
