Message from His Majesty
Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev,
King of Nepal

... on the occasion of the International Year of Mountains - 2002

We are happy to learn that the year 2002 is being observed as the International Year of Mountains under the auspices of the United Nations with the objective of promoting "the conservation and sustainable development of mountain regions, thereby ensuring the well-being of mountain and lowland communities".

Mountain areas, with their fragile ecosystems, occupy about one-fifth of the world's land surface area. Moreover, they are also a major source of hydropower and stand as water towers of the world with over half of humanity relying on them for freshwater. While sharing the common physical attributes of steepness and ecological complexities that create natural hazards, microclimates and inaccessibility, they also possess centres of endemism where many species coexist, inhabiting true islands or terrestrial island-like habitats.

Nepal, a mountainous kingdom on the lap of the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas, is home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks rising over 8 000 m, including Sagarmatha or Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. Mountains are a major source of water in our nation, having a potential of producing 83 000 megawatts of hydropower. Nepal is also uniquely privileged to be endowed with spectacular natural beauty and a diverse flora and fauna. We have, over the years, made modest efforts to conserve our fragile ecosystem and improve the well-being of the local communities, through their participation, emphasizing the fact that no conservation programme can succeed if it is divorced from the lives of those it directly affects. Yet, much remains to be done.

First, if the problems of environmental degradation and poverty - particularly in the developing world - are to be solved, a continued and sustainable economic development is essential; but we must give due consideration to reconciling environmental protection with economic growth. Second, consensus must also be sought so as to make the application of strict environmental standards symbolic of good economic growth and a clean environment. This wise choice will then encourage innovation and promote inventiveness, efficiency and employment. Last but not least, to achieve the goals of sustainable development and a sound environment, as well as to attain a decent standard of life for all, involves very large changes in attitude.

As the International Year of Mountains holds special significance for Nepal, I hope it will play a catalytic role in promoting a global approach towards the effective conservation, efficient management and sustainable development of mountain areas around the world for the greater good of communities and inhabitants living in the regions.

I wish the International Year of Mountains - 2002 every success.