International Mountain Day is held to raise awareness of the important role mountains play in our water and food supply. This year’s theme is their rich Biodiversity and to address the threats they face. I love mountains, but why are they so important?
Why Mountains are so Important
There is just something majestic about mountains. Not conquering them but just getting to the top and looking at the view. One of my favourites was when I was about 8 years old being high up in Switzerland. I was ooking down at snow covered mountains with the sun shining and lighting diamonds in the snow. It was a magical sight which I have never forgotten. I am lucky enough to not only have Switzerland as my childhood but to have visited the Himalayas and the Andes as well. (The image is my favourite mountain which is a pretty tough 2 day climb according to my parents and grandparents who all climbed it).
Mountains are home to about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots as well as home to 15% of the world´s population. They provide freshwater for everyday life to half of humanity. Their conservation is a key factor for sustainable development.
Unfortunately, climate change threatens mountains, as it does the whole globe, especially from overexploitation. As the global climate continues to warm, mountain people face an even greater struggle to survive. And they are also some of the world’s poorest people. The rising temperatures mean mountain glaciers are melting extremely quickly which affects freshwater supplies for millions of people.
The International Year of Mountains was held in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness and generating action on issues relating to sustainable mountain development. The idea was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and launched at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York on December 11, 2001, As the Year of Mountains drew to a close in December 2002, the UN designated December 11 as International Mountain Day and they encourag the international community to organise events highlighting the importance of sustainable mountain development.
A variety of activities are organised around this time, which aim to increase awareness of the role of mountains and mountainous regions amongst the general population and professionals. Particular examples of events are: book fairs; symposia; themed lectures for students; workshops and press events. Mountaineering and explorations societies hold many lectures and social events on or around December 11.