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International Mountain Day 2024: According to the United Nations, Mountain hosts about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and 30 percent of all key Biodiversity Areas.
International Mountain Day is observed on December 11. (Image: Shutterstock)
International Mountain Day is commemorated annually on December 11 worldwide with an aim to raise awareness about mountains and the importance of restoring their ecosystems. According to the United Nations, “Mountain hosts about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and 30 percent of all key Biodiversity Areas.”
More than half of humanity’s daily life is dependent on mountain waters. 80 percent of the world’s food comes from 20 plant species, six of which originated and have been diversified in the mountains such as maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes and apples.
However, in today’s world, mountains are in serious need of preservation due to climate change and overexploitation. As we celebrate, International Mountain Day 2024 today, let’s take a closer look to this year’s theme, the day’s history, its significance and some interesting facts.
International Mountain Day 2024 Theme
The theme for International Mountain Day 2024 is set as ‘Mountain solutions for a sustainable future—innovation, adaptation and youth’ which highlight the needs and strengths of these communities while keeping the theme in mind.
Innovation is important for solving complicated issues in hilly areas. It includes innovative technologies and solutions, such as climate-smart agriculture.
Adaptation is also crucial as mountains face challenges due to climate change. The theme indicates finding ways to build resilience and reduce vulnerability.
These options include adopting ecosystem-based approaches for disaster management and using Indigenous knowledge.
Lastly, motivating the youth to ensure that these solutions last. The day promotes several job opportunities for the youngsters as well as accessible training and entrepreneurship that contributes to the sustainable use of mountain resources.
International Mountain Day 2024: History
The International Mountain Day originated in 1992, when the United Nations approved Agenda 21 ‘Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development’ from Chapter 13 during its Conference on Environment and Development.
However, it was in 2002 that the UN General Assembly declared the UN International Year of Mountains and announced that December 11 would be celebrated as International Mountain Day from 2003 onwards.
International Mountain Day 2024: Significance
The day holds an important role in addressing the issues of mountain ecology and climate change.
On this day, several organisations participate in a variety of activities aimed at mountain development and protection, as well as raising awareness about the importance and risks that mountains encounter.
Additionally, the day also highlights the need of mountain conservation as a means of achieving sustainable development.
International Mountain Day 2024: Interesting Facts
- Mountains cover around 27 percent of the Earth’s land surface and are home to a variety of plant and animal species. They are critical to climate management, water supply, soil preservation, and conservation.
- As per the United Nations, mountains are home to approx. 15 percent of the World’s population and hosts about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspot.
- It also plays an important role in the water cycle and is a great source of hydroelectric power.
- Not just those living in the hilly areas, Mountains also benefit people living downstream by supplying essential water for settlements, agriculture and industries- mostly during the time of lowest snowfall.
- Mountain ecosystems face threats from pollution also according to a data by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, around 84 percent of the unique plant and animal species found in the highlands are at risk of extinction.
- Climate change has had a severe impact on the mountain ecosystem as a result International Mountain Day plays a reminder to international communities to take steps to protect their biodiversity.
