International Mountain Day 2013 observed all over the world
Kathmandu, Dec. 11 : The International Mountain Day is observed all over the world organizing different programs. The theme of the International Mountain Day – 2013 is “Mountains – Key to a Sustainable Future”.
According to FAO , the focus will be on celebrating how mountains are crucial in moving the world towards sustainable economic growth in the context of poverty eradication, and on drawing attention to their generally sustainable and low-emission production models.
‘ We believe this theme will help in raising awareness on how new opportunities can bring benefits to highland and lowland communities without contributing to the degradation of mountain socio-ecosystems. In particular, within the follow-up to Rio +20 and the ongoing process on sustainable development goals, we would like to continue underlining how the goods and services deriving from mountain regions are essential for sustainable development ,’ FAO release states.
Covering around 27 percent of the earth’s land surface, mountains play a critical role in moving the world towards sustainable economic growth. They not only provide sustenance and wellbeing to 720 million mountain people around the world, but indirectly benefit billions more living downstream.
In particular, mountains provide freshwater, energy and food – resources that will be increasingly scarce in coming decades. However, mountains also have a high incidence of poverty and are extremely vulnerable to climate change, deforestation, land degradation and natural disasters.
Of the 20 plant species that supply 80 percent of the world’s food, six originated and have been diversified in mountains: maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, quinoa, tomatoes and apples.
The challenge is to identify new and sustainable opportunities that can bring benefits to both highland and lowland communities and help to eradicate poverty without contributing to the degradation of fragile mountain ecosystems .
Commitment and will to advance this cause were strengthened during the International Year of Mountains in 2002, and mountains have gained an increasingly high profile on agendas at all levels.
The Year also led to the adoption of resolution 57/245, in which the General Assembly designated 11 December as International Mountain Day, and encouraged the international community to organize events at all levels on that day to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development.
The theme of the International Mountain Day
2012: Celebrating Mountain Life
2011: Mountains and Forests
2010: Mountain Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
2009: Reducing Risk Saves Lives
2008: Food Security in Mountains
2007: Climate Change in Mountains Areas
2006: Managing Mountain Biodiversity for Better Lives
2005: Mountain Tourism : Making it Work for the Poor
2004: Peace: Key to Sustainable Mountain Development
