From 2 to 8 July 2026, the GEO Mountains Youth Ideathon programme and the Regional Mountain Conference 2026 (RMC2026) were held in the mountain village of Obergurgl, located at an altitude of 1,950 meters above sea level in the federal state of Tyrol, Austria. The programme brought together selected young scientists and professionals from various countries around the world and aimed to promote sustainable development in mountainous regions, disaster risk management, assessment of climate change impacts, and the development of innovative solutions using Earth Observation data.

Nazim Garayli, an employee of the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, represented Azerbaijan in the programme.

On the first day of the event, Nazim Garayli delivered a presentation entitled “Land Management in the Northern Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan: Human and Climate Impacts on Mountain Landscapes.” In his presentation, he provided comprehensive information on land management practices in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan, the impacts of human activities and climate change on mountain landscapes, as well as the environmental challenges observed in the region and the scientific studies conducted to address these issues.

As part of the programme, participants were divided into international teams and worked on real-world challenges. The team including Nazim Garayli was tasked with assessing the impacts of overgrazing on landscapes in Lesotho using satellite data and Earth Observation technologies, identifying land degradation processes, and developing practical and implementable solutions to address these challenges.

Within a short period, the team analysed the problem using satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), scientific data, and local characteristics, and developed an innovative solution package aimed at reducing land degradation and promoting sustainable rangeland management. The project was successfully presented by Nazim Garayli to international experts, scientists, and conference participants during the final day of the programme within the framework of the Regional Mountain Conference 2026 (RMC2026).

Throughout the event, participants explored the latest research on natural risk management in mountainous regions, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, the application of Earth Observation technologies, and international scientific cooperation. They also exchanged ideas with scientists, representatives of international organisations, and experts from different countries, discussing opportunities for future joint research projects and collaborations.

At the conclusion of the event, the organisers emphasised the programme’s significant role in fostering an international cooperation network among young professionals from mountainous regions, promoting the practical application of Earth Observation technologies in solving real-world challenges, and encouraging the implementation of innovative solutions developed during the programme in different countries. It was also announced that the outcomes of the projects would be shared through the GEO Mountains and Mountain Research Initiative platforms, as well as other international scientific information resources.