International Mountain Day

Key Messages 2023

Mountain ecosystem services are vital to life.

As natural water towers, mountains supply freshwater to an estimated half of humanity. Mountains’ role in capturing, storing and releasing water sustains ecosystems, supports agriculture, and provides clean energy and medicines.

Healthy mountains matter for biodiversity.

Mountains cover about 27 percent of the earth’s land surface, hosting 25 of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots as well as rare plants and animals such as snow leopards and mountain gorillas. 

Resilient mountain ecosystems are key for adaptation to climate change.

Healthy mountain ecosystems help mitigate the impacts of climate change and the related risks. Of the global mountain area, forests cover 39 percent. Mountain forests and grasslands cool local temperatures, increase water retention, provide a vital carbon store, and reduce the risk of erosion and landslides. 

Mountain people are negatively impacted by land degradation.

At least 311 million rural mountain people in developing countries live in areas exposed to progressive land degradation, 178 million of whom are considered vulnerable to food insecurity. 

Mountain ecosystems are under threat from pollution.

Mountain ecosystems are at risk from uncontrolled dumping and open burning of waste, including plastic waste. Microplastics have even been found as high as the summit of Mt. Everest.

Mountain farmers and pastoralists are critical in the sustainable management of mountain ecosystems.

Mountain people are stewards of biodiversity. Indigenous and local populations in mountains have unique and valuable local knowledge, traditions and cultural practices that contribute to effective land management strategies and sustainable food systems.