WHY IS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS IMPORTANT?

Many people are already aware of the importance on a global scale of rainforests and oceans. Our own health, prosperity and continued survival are directly linked to the wellbeing of these environments. Similarly, in many circles Agenda 21 has become almost a household term. Even if we are not sure exactly what Agenda 21 means or where it comes from, we know that it has something to do with sustainable development and protecting the environment.

In fact, in addition to chapters on rainforests and oceans, Agenda 21 from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit has an entire chapter devoted to mountains. The full text of Chapter 13 on "Managing Fragile Ecosystems - Sustainable Mountain Development" can be found on the United Nations' International Year of Mountains website . Some of key points arising from Chapter 13 are:

• Mountains are an important source of water, energy and biological diversity.
• They are a source of such key resources as minerals, forest products and agricultural products and of recreation.
• Mountain environments are a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, and are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem.
• Mountain ecosystems are susceptible to accelerated soil erosion, landslides and rapid loss of habitat and genetic diversity.
• On the human side, there is widespread poverty among mountain inhabitants and loss of indigenous knowledge.
• Most global mountain areas are experiencing environmental degradation.
• The proper management of mountain resources and socio-economic development of the people deserves immediate action.

Chapter 13 identifies two "programme areas" for dealing with some of these issues:
Generating and strengthening knowledge about the ecology and sustainable development of mountain ecosystems
Promoting integrated watershed development and alternative livelihood opportunities.