A message from the Institute for Research and Development of Mediterranean Mountainous Island Regions (MountMed)
The eleventh of December was declared by the United Nations as International Mountain Day to highlight the crucial role of mountains in the evolution and prospects of humanity, reminding the international community of its responsibility for mountains' preservation.
Cyprus, overcoming its small size and lack of tradition in mountain management policies, has managed in recent years to catch up with other European countries by undertaking important initiatives in this field. The elaboration and adoption of a National Strategy for Mountain Communities, and the creation of the institution of the Commissioner for Mountain Areas, already make Cyprus an example to follow and an active participant in the formulation of policies for mountain areas in Europe.
The culmination of all this was the holding in Troodos, Cyprus of an important event, the International Conference on Mountainous Areas of the Mediterranean Islands. under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus last year. This conference allowed dozens of scientists from all over Europe to get to know not only the mountainous Cyprus but also the peculiarities of the island’s mountainous land. Most importantly, however, its work resulted in a document of principles and objectives for the sustainable development of the mountains, signed by the above-mentioned scientists, which has since been known to all relevant bodies in Europe and the United Nations as the "Troodos Declaration".
The Cyprus-based Institute for Research and Development of Mediterranean Insular Mountain Regions (MountMed) was created to build on and further promote these initiatives. Already, through its international network of partners, it participates in various international organizations and innovative initiatives, actively supporting the sustainable development of the mountainous regions of Cyprus and the Mediterranean islands.