APPEAL OF THE DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY, 11th DECEMBER, 2017
This year's theme is
Mountain under Pressure: climate, hunger, migration.
One billion people live in mountain areas, and over half the human population depends on mountains for water, food and clean energy. Mountains are under threat from climate change, land degradation, over exploitation and natural disasters, with potentially far-reaching and devastating consequences, both for mountain communities and the rest of the world.
A mountain are early indicators of climate change and as global climate continues to warm, mountain people - some of the world’s hungriest and poorest - face even greater struggles to survive.
The rising temperatures also mean that mountain glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, affecting freshwater supplies downstream for millions of people. Mountain communities, however, have a wealth of knowledge and strategies accumulated over generations, on how to adapt to climate variability.
Climate change, climate variability and climate-induced disasters, combined with political, economic and social marginalization, increase the vulnerability of mountain peoples to food shortages and extreme poverty. The vulnerability of mountain populations grows, migration increases both abroad and to urban centres. Out-migration from mountain areas will also result in an inestimable loss in terms of provision of ecosystem services and preservation of cultural and agrobiodiversity. Investments and policies can alleviate the harsh living conditions of mountain communities and reverse out-migration trends from mountain areas.
“Mountain under Pressure: climate, hunger, migration” is the suggested theme for the year 2017, where the countries, communities and organizations celebrate International Mountain Day. Various activities are organized in and around the International Mountain Day. Thus aims to increase awareness and knowledge on the role of mountains and mountainous regions amongst the general public and professionals. Particular examples of events are: conduct book fairs; symposia; themed lectures for students; workshops and press events. Mountaineering and explorations societies hold lectures and social events in or around 11
th December, 2017.
I urge all to take responsibility for the International Mountain Day 2017 in which provides an occasion to highlight how climate, hunger and migration are affecting highlands and to ensure sustainable mountain development.
Director of Environment