This year’s volume, covering the two issues published in 2010, takes its cue from the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity and interprets the term far beyond the theme of conservation. The June issue 2/1 looks at the role of avalanches in increasing biodiversity and explores the characteristics of biological soil crusts. Another contribution identifies significant determinants for acceptance of nature reserves in the case of Stilfserjoch NP. The Gesäuse NP features as Case in Point and in a piece on ski touring visitor management.

A paper on sweet chestnut cultivation identifies its contribution to both alpine biodiversity and regional development. Young researchers from Salzburg report on a new community-based monitoring approach to gauge the distribution of the fire and the alpine salamanders.

There is a wealth of national and international categories of protected areas in the Alps and the Carpathians. Across the world, numerous other designations are used. eco.mont does not distinguish by objectives, labels or regions – any type of research is welcome and broadens the epistemological horizon.