Dear Colleagues, December 11, 2014 is International Mountain Day at the UN. Mountains cover roughly 27% of the earths surface and play a large role in sustainable economic growth. The UN says: The challenge is to identify new and sustainable opportunities that can bring benefits to both highland and lowland communities and help to eradicate poverty without contributing to the degradation of fragile mountain ecosystems. To do that, we are raising awareness of the mountain farming families and their importance within our global community. https://youtube/watch?v=71DmDxNbBJU Today we celebrate Mountain Farming and the families that have been models of sustainable development for centuries. However, mountain populations live in high-risk environments and are also some of the poorest and most disadvantaged. With globalization and urbanization decreasing the population residing in mountain areas, the focus should be on optimizing the opportunities for local development. The UN suggests looking to creating high value mountain products and handicrafts as well as engaging in sustainable tourism. This diversification of income could help farmers access to resources and increase their capacity to generate income. The International Year of Mountains in 2002 raised awareness at all levels of the importance of mountains and mountain farming. This year, the UN adopted resolution 57/245, in which the General Assembly designated 11 December as International Mountain Day, and encouraged the international community to organize events at all levels on that day to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development. There are lots of things we can all do to increase awareness. If you are interested in helping out or learning more please contact us or check out this link to events and additional resources: un.org/en/events/mountainday/resources.shtml International Mountain Day youtube The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 11 December the International Day of Mountains. From 2003, the day is observed each year to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of mountains. Find out how you can take part in the...
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:42:11 +0000
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