Background Almost all countries with mountainous or hilly regions have some kind of implicit or explicit policy for mountain areas. However, there are significant differences between the policies of different countries. Since local authorities are considered, in the context of sustainable development, the smallest scale at which issues can be dealt with in an integrated and holistic manner, 'mountain communities' could provide an appropriate institutional set up to implement and develop environmental policies. Objectives The LIFE project will work in the southern Apennines to achieve the following specific objectives: Promote a localised, participatory approach to policy assessment and implementation, in relation to the reduction of emissions and the increasing of CO2 absorption capacity. This will be done through experimentation with local governance models, with particular reference to the management of forests and mountains. In particular, measures will target preventing and monitoring emissions, as well as initiatives to reduce emissions or increase the capacity to absorb them; Contribute to the Kyoto objectives, by anticipating the adoption of tools developed in recent years for management and verification of emissions, and through communication and the use of economic incentives and market mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gases; and Experiment with local actions designed to help implement the Kyoto Protocol, using participatory methods combining global emission reduction targets with local sustainability targets. Expected results: The project’s expected results are: Increased capacity to absorb carbon dioxide in the areas covered by the project, and subsequent reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 20%; Identification of achievable energy efficiency goals, and of areas in which energy efficiency can be improved; An increase in the proportion of green purchases; and Greater capacity and improved skills for the recipients of training.