Historically, mountain regions located in remote border areas were often marginalised. They separate countries and peoples and face huge challenges regarding spatial development. However, mountain regions can also become powerful unifiers and a link between nations and peoples. As experiences, for example in the Alps, demonstrate, mountains have a considerable potential for development if the rich natural and cultural heritage is employed appropriately and if this heritage is preserved for the future. The Carpathians are located in one of the most dynamic regions in Europe with a huge potential for development. The central objective of the Carpathian project is the integration of European spatial development policies and management of the fragile mountain ecosystems of the Carpathians in a transnational context. The project will analyse and consolidate the information base, develop strategies and policy instruments. It will also implement and test pilot activities in cooperation with local and regional stakeholders. The project builds on the existing structure of the Carpathian Convention, providing a transnational framework for the application of EU policies throughout the Carpathian region. The project will make a comprehensive assessment of the needs, strengths and weaknesses of the project region. Moreover, the Carpathian project will analyse typical constraints of mountainous regions in the context of economic transition and European integration. It will deliver strategies and best practices for further development, building on the region's potential while safeguarding its natural and cultural heritage. Expected Results: The expected outcomes of the project include, but are not limited to: - Protection and acceleration of sustainable development in the Carpathian region, - Improvement of the information base through the collection and systematisation of the still scattered information on the Carpathian region, including environmental information. Databases, a GeoPortal and a Carpathian Atlas will be created, - In-depth analysis of key socio-economic sectors as well as the preparation of informal Strategic Environmental Assessments of those sectors will result in a Carpathian Spatial Development Vision and a Carpathian Environment Outlook, - Development of policy instruments agreed upon by an intergovernmental platform, - Identification of strategic priorities for investment and follow-up actions.