International Mountain Day
By Dr Arvind Kumar
Mountaineering and explorations societies generally hold lectures and social events on or around 11 December. This year, according to the theme for IMD “Mountains – Key to a Sustainable Future”. In the wake of melting of Himalayan glaciers at a fast pace and recurrence of natural disaster like cloud-bursts, landslides and flash floods, there is dire need to preserve mountains and generate awareness among the people inhabiting hilly regions to preserve mountains by growing more trees. Various activities are organized on and around this day with the objective of increasing awareness of and knowledge around the role of mountains and mountainous regions amongst the general population and professionals.
The observance of the day strives to achieve a stronger engagement of all actors and the civil society with a view to mobilising resources to improve the livelihoods of mountain communities. Mountains are the water towers of the world that provide fresh water to at least half of world’s population. Beside being a source of key resources, minerals, forest products, agricultural products and recreation; mountains are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem as a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, a storehouse of biological diversity and endangered species.
Mountains have come to play pre-eminent role in preserving ecological equilibrium in the wake of changing climate. The International Year of Mountains was held in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness and triggering action on issues relating to sustainable mountain development. The leading agency was the Food and Agriculture Organization. As this year drew to a close, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 11 December to be International Mountain Day and encouraged the international community to organize events to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development on this date. International Mountain Day was first observed on 11 December 2003. This observance, which is celebrated annually, aims to draw attention to the important roles that mountainous regions play in water and food supply.
