Mountain Tourism, Conflict and Resilience in the Anthropocene: What Role for Community Engagement through Transdisciplinary approach?

Résumé En

During the 20th century, mountain tourism has mainly developed around the ski industry. This development has allowed many remote mountain regions to prosper economically and for quality of life. However, the Anthropocene, including environmental and social issues questions the sustainability of this model. Mid-altitude regions are the most affected by the reduction of winter snow cover which threatens the viability of skiing (Spandre et al., 2019). This raises a dilemma between the development of snowmaking and the progressive renunciation of skiing, resulting in conflicts between the two models which inhibit resilient thinking. Between the two extremes emerges the idea of transition of mountain regions (Bourdeau, 2018), aiming to guarantee their resilience.Gresse-en-Vercors municipality (France) is a good example of these dynamics. This ski resort village is facing snow difficulties that challenge local economy. In May 2020, a new municipal team leads to referendum regarding the implementation of new snowmakers to secure the domain's operation. The debates led to a major conflict between the supporters of the two options. In such a context, how can academics and communities’ collaborations provide solutions to promote a resilient transition?This communication aims to explore this question by presenting a transdisciplinary research project hold by the Collectif Perce-Neige, which involved an interdisciplinary team of early career researchers and the community of Gresse-en-Vercors. During 5 days, the team was immerged into this region consulted more than 60 stakeholders (inhabitants and practitioners) through interviews and collective workshops. This work highlighted the conflict dynamics that question the place of tourism in the region’s development and allows us to build with the communities, new research avenues to be prioritised. We hypothesise that the co-production of solutions will favour their applicability and enhance local communities’ resilience.