Paper abstract:

The paper overviews the experiences and knowledge of the European countries that have already elaborated policy making in sustainable development of their mountainous areas. What kind of and in what way sustainable development models were studied, designed and implemented in relation to the mountainous areas of the European countries are reviewed in the paper. Whether the European mountain development policies and practices are applicable for the Central Asian region is examined in terms of sustainability, accountability, efficiency and appropriateness. In addition, the paper aims to develop the theoretical background of sustainable mountain development in Central Asia.