Internatioanl Mountain Day 11 December

Mountains may appear to be just part of the landscape, but they are actually among nature’s most vital formations. To highlight their significance, the United Nations has designated December 11 as International Mountain Day. Let’s explore the history, themes, and unique events associated with International Mountain Day and discover ways to get involved.

International Mountain Day was celebrated for the first time in 2003, although its origins trace back to 1992. During the United Nations Assembly focused on “Environment & Development,” the agenda for “Sustainable Mountain Development” was established. This was a significant achievement for the mountain science community, leading to a growing interest in mountain management in the years that followed. In 2002, the year prior to the inaugural IMD celebration, was designated as the International Year of Mountains. Due to the remarkable success of IYM, the UN General Assembly chose December 11 as International Mountain Day. Similar to other nature-focused observances, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) serves as the coordinating agency for International Mountain Day.

Mountains make up about 25% of the Earth’s surface and are home to numerous hotspots of global biodiversity. Around half of the world’s population relies on these regions for essential resources like water and energy, along with other vital ecosystem services. Acknowledging the special importance of mountain ecosystems, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have created a dedicated Programme of work focused on mountain biodiversity. This program encompasses various activities aimed at safeguarding essential services provided by mountain ecosystems, which include promoting genetic and cultural diversity and supporting the livelihoods of both highland and lowland communities.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) aims to enhance the restoration, conservation, and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, with a particular focus on mountainous regions. Climate change is accelerating biodiversity decline in these elevated areas, disrupting their natural balance. Mountains are experiencing a faster rate of warming compared to other terrestrial ecosystems, significantly increasing their susceptibility to environmental changes. The retreat of glaciers is forcing species to relocate to higher altitudes, which in turn impacts the communities that inhabit these mountainous environments.

In the stunning setting of the Farallones mountain range, the discussions at CBD COP 16 in Cali led to the approval of two significant decisions aimed at advancing mountain biodiversity. The first decision focuses on the connections between climate change and the decline of biodiversity, calling for the incorporation of nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based strategies into national policies and plans. The second decision created a permanent subsidiary body under Article 8(j) of the Convention, ensuring that indigenous perspectives are included in the operational framework of the CBD.

Under the guidance of the Colombian Presidency, COP 16 became a platform for discussions between global and regional mountain groups, aiming to create a unified agenda and enhance connections between biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation in mountain ecosystems. This conversation will keep going, leading up to the International Year for Glacier Preservation in 2025.

Biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in mountainous areas will stay a top priority on the global biodiversity agenda. At COP 17 of the CBD in Yerevan, the first global review of the KMGBF will take place, evaluating our progress on the 23 targets. Stopping and reversing biodiversity loss might be tough, much like climbing a mountain, but as climbers know, reaching the peak makes it all worthwhile. The stunning snow-capped mountains surrounding Yerevan will provide a breathtaking backdrop for the 2026 United Nations Biodiversity Summit.