Today, the global mountaineering community comes together to celebrate the 22nd International Mountain Day. International Mountain Day has been celebrated annually on December 11 since 2003, marking a global tribute to the critical role mountains play in sustaining life on Earth.
Since its inception in 2003, this day has been a symbol of appreciation for mountains’ important role in sustaining life on Earth. They provide freshwater, harbor rich biodiversity, and inspire countless adventurers, climbers, and dreamers.
The International Mountain Day resolution was proposed by Kyrgyzstan during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This initiative stemmed from a broader global recognition of the importance of mountains in sustainable development and environmental conservation.
The idea of observing a day dedicated to mountains emerged during the International Year of Mountains (2002), which was also spearheaded by Kyrgyzstan.
In 2003, the UNGA adopted a resolution designating December 11 as International Mountain Day.
The goal was to encourage sustainable mountain development, raise awareness about mountain-related issues, and promote action to protect mountain environments and communities.
Mountains are home to 15% of the world’s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
Mountains play a key role in providing freshwater resources, with estimates suggesting that they contribute between 60% and 80% of the world’s freshwater for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. This makes them essential not only for the livelihoods of over 1 billion people living in mountainous areas but also for populations downstream who rely on these resources.
For 2024, the theme “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation, and youth” underscores the urgent need to address challenges facing mountain environments, particularly climate change and biodiversity loss. By emphasizing innovation and youth engagement, the observance seeks to inspire collaborative solutions for protecting these critical landscapes.
Mountain tourism has become a substantial economic sector, representing between 9% and 16% of international tourist arrivals in 2023 – approximately 195 to 375 million tourists annually.
This sector not only generates income for local communities but also promotes the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage. Sustainable mountain tourism is seen as a way to enhance economic benefits while ensuring environmental sustainability.
While mountain economies offer significant contributions to the global economy, they also face challenges such as climate change and the need for sustainable resource management. The Global Framework for the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023-2027) promotes international cooperation and innovation to address these challenges.
International Mountain Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mountain ecosystems. The peaks are not just scenic backdrops but important living systems that support global biodiversity, provide essential water resources, sustain local communities, and offer economic opportunities.
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