International Mountain Day: History, Importance & Activities to Do

Every year on December 11th, International Mountain Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the significance of mountains. Mountain conservation is a critical component of long-term development. Mountains cover 27% of the earth's land area. According to the United Nations, the mountains are home to 15% of the world's population.

Why is International Mountain Day celebrated?

• The United Nations held the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in 1992. As part of the CSD, the UN adopted a document titled “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development.”

• The United Nations General Assembly established December 11th as International Mountain Day in 2003. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is in charge of leading the commemoration of this day.

The theme of International Mountain Day 2021:

• The theme of this year's International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December will be ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism’.

• Sustainable tourism in mountains can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and conserving biodiversity.

Importance of Mountains:

• The mountains are also home to one-quarter of all land animals and plants on the planet. Furthermore, mountains provide freshwater to half of the world's population. Another function of mountains is to provide food resources. The mountains are home to six of the world's most important food crops.

• Mountains, as you can see, are extremely important. Unfortunately, climate change and over-exploitation pose a threat to our majestic mountains. As a result, the livelihoods of those who live in the mountains are jeopardized. Mountain people are among the poorest people on the planet. These threats to their home make survival even more difficult.

Activities & Ideas:

• On this day, we can organize forums, hands-on activities, presentations, student debates, photo and art competitions, hikes, and events geared toward specific age groups, particularly youth.

• Go camping or hiking if you live near the mountains.

• Consider a trip you took to the mountains. What impression did it leave on you?

• Make a bet with your friends and family to see who can name the most mountains.

• Discover the significance of mountains and the threats they face.

• Make it a goal to climb one of the world's most popular mountains, such as Mt. Everest., Mt Kilimanjaro.

• Use the hashtag #MountainsMatter to join the conversation on social media. Share some of the key messages or information about the biodiversity in your area's mountains. Share a photo of your favorite mountain moment with your friends.

“Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the most effective things you can do to help preserve mountains.”