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Globetrekkers Conservation Adventure and Trekking Society (GLOBETREKKERS) celebrates International Mountain Day 11 December every year to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. At GLOBETREKKERS, learning and sharing is a core factor. There are series of discussions (wisdom series) and conservation activities regularly, and we do special programs every year in connection with International Mountain Day. 

This year, an Online International Symposium was hosted thatbrought together delegates from all over the world. The primary objectivewas to connect with individuals who have a strong interest in mountaineering and conservation. There is a significant number of individuals globally who take mountains seriously and prioritize their importance rather than approaching them casually. We firmly believe that the theme for this year's International Mountain Day, which focuses on restoring mountain ecosystems, is exceptional and necessary. We invited distinguished guests from various countries to deliver valuable content for the community.

Speakers at the event included Luis Benitez, Angela Benavides, Sunil Nataraj, Manjusha Divakara, V Sam Prasad, Vijayashree Yellappa, Devan Varma and Sibi Varghese. The speakers covered a wide range of topics such as mountain tourism, ecosystem restoration, the roles of governments and NGOs, the importance of social media, and methods for protecting mountains.

There were over 150 active participants from around the world at the meeting. There was lively discussion covering waste management in mountainous areas, community involvement, and the improvement of mountain people's livelihoods. 

Globetrekkers Conservation Adventure and Trekking Society is an officially registered organization in India that is dedicated to promoting trekking and adventure activities, as well as emphasizing the significance of mountains. The society consistently endeavors to create an environment for education and awareness regarding conservation, and it highlights the importance of conservation in all of its activities. Notably, the organization is one of the few from India that is affiliated with the Mountain Partnership secretariat of FAO. The society conducts various regular activities for its members and continues to expand its global presence by attracting new members.

Photo by Brittany Mumma