Challenges of change: Insights into land use transformations and social conflict in highland regions

Highland areas face challenges posed by urbanisation, land use changes, and land disputes. Therefore, to protect and develop these regions effectively, it is necessary to gain a complete picture of the transformations. The primary objective of the study was to identify the critical land use changes between 1986 and 2023 in two highland regions, the Podhale-Magura Area in Poland and the Uco Valley in Argentina. We also investigated their impact on social conflicts and local community problems. The empirical foundation for the research is data from the analysis of satellite images and in-depth interviews with representatives of rural producers and administration. The combination of the methodological diversity and contributions from numerous experts was aimed at addressing a gap between the scientific and practical outlooks. Our results reveal a clear divergence in cropland trajectories. Cropland gradually increased in the Uco Valley and shrank in the Podhale-Magura Area. This was reflected in distinct conflict profiles. The Uco Valley was marked by disputes over resource use and agrarian change, whereas the Podhale-Magura Area was characterised by tensions concerning land access, settlement patterns, and community–newcomer relations. The most striking among the main findings were the influence of the global market and tourism. They are realised in different ways in each area. The sites also differ in terms of responses from key actors. Therefore, despite some analogies in the identified social conflicts and local community problems, they remain location-specific and differ from one case study to another. The article emphasises the significance of being aware of local circumstances and engaging local communities in local development processes, as this may help minimise social tensions and promote inclusive, sustainable development. • Combining spatial anal social methods offers comprehensive insights into land transformation. • Land use changes driven by tourism, agriculture, and socioeconomic factors in highlands. • Comparative analysis highlights the role of local context in land use conflicts and solutions.