December 11th, 2012 is the tenth International Mountain Day. This year’s theme focuses on Celebrating Mountain Life. Keeping close contact with FAO and ICIMOD，Chinese Committee on ICIMOD (CNICIMOD) publicized and celebrated International Mountain Day on December 11, 2012.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Mountains, the International Mountain Day strives to achieve a stronger engagement of actors/institutions and the civil society in sustainable mountain development. It is also a concrete opportunity to mobilize resources to improve the livelihoods of mountain communities. Special attention will be given to the involvement of youth in global sustainable development, as they will be the future actors. Additionally, the process will focus on the linkages between rural and urban development with an eye to the implementation of a green economy in line with the Rio+20 Earth Summit.
Aiming to raise public awareness of sustainable mountain development, CNICIMOD made exhibition boards and prepared publications reflecting research works conducted on mountain hazard management, climate change and mountain development.
Mountain people are among the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged. They frequently face political, social and economic marginalization and lack access to such basic services as health and education. Moreover, current global challenges such as climate change, economic developments and population growth exacerbate the hardships they face. Sustainable approaches to development are therefore particularly important in mountain regions. To respond to the global challenges and threats, holistic, participatory and integrated approaches that address all aspects of sustainability are required. The specific needs and inter-linkages of different aspects of sustainable mountain development, such as water, biodiversity, tourism and infrastructure, must be taken into account. To achieve sustainable mountain development, it is essential that all concerned stakeholders are involved and that awareness is raised about mountain ecosystems, their fragility and prevalent problems, and about ways of addressing them.