Abstract :
As forests in the mountains fulfil a broader range of functions than in flatlands, while having to face particularly difficult climatic and economic constraints, multifunctionality is an important issue, which is frequently raised in relation to the mountain forest management. In mountain areas, indeed, the competition between different interests is greater than elsewhere and the need to maintain ecological stability is paramount. The evolution towards a better consideration of multipurpose management is presently leading to a variety of possible forms and solutions. In some places, they result from social changes, in others they result from changed attitudes towards the forests and their role. Thus, the ways and means to reach it may differ a lot from a place to another one. This brings new challenges and new spheres of operation for both forestry professionals, state organisations and forest owners, and finally results in new social questions that scientists should translate into scientific ones. Multifunctionality needs to be rigorously defined and analysed as a concept, and translated into approaches that should be analytical and not only descriptive.
