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Measuring the Mountain Green Cover Index

30.11.2018

From 26 - 29 November, 18 participants representing 18 different countries participated in “Measuring the Mountain Green Cover Index“ in a capacity building workshop at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy.

Participants from various technical backgrounds were introduced to the Mountain Green Cover Index and taught how to use Collect Earth. All participating countries started the validation process, by checking data previously collected on their countries.   

The importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators and the role played by custodian agencies was discussed by Pietro Conforti, Senior Statistician at FAO. He explained the role custodian agencies play in this process and stressed the importance of developing indicators.

“Indicators that have sound methodologies are necessary in order to efficiently monitor progress worldwide in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Pietro Conforti.

Conforti concluded his presentation by highlighting the role custodian agencies play in structuring data collection and building up storylines for SDG indicators.

Rosalaura Romeo, Programme Officer at FAO, followed Conforti’s remarks and reaffirmed the importance of the 2030 Agenda and the role it plays in enhancing the sustainable development of mountain peoples and their ecosystems.

“The 2030 Agenda is a powerful tool to ensure that mountain peoples and mountain ecosystems are no longer forgotten but fully included in the development process. This indicator should support countries to focus their policies and investments toward mountains – and let’s not forget that mountains have a global importance!” said Romeo.

Moreover, Romeo discussed how mountains are often neglected even though they are heavily impacted by global challenges posed by climate change. Finally, she highlighted the role played by the indicator 15.4.2 – the Mountain Green Cover Index – in providing scientific evidence to policy makers on the status of mountain ecosystems.

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