Publications

Mountain Forests in a Changing World

05.12.2011

The integrity and resilience of mountain forests is under threat from increasing temperatures and wildfires, population growth and food and fuel insecurity, lead to “Mountain Forests in a Changing World”, a new FAO publication. The report, jointly produced by the FAO-hosted Mountain Partnership Secretariat and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, was published in the lead up to the UN International Mountain Day on 11 December. Population pressures and the expansion of intensive agriculture have forced smallholder farmers to move higher towards marginal areas and steep slopes, sparking a loss of forests, it also noted. According to the publication, climate change is likely to facilitate more rapid expansion by pests and disease-causing organisms which may cause additional damage to mountain forests. Mountain people - who are among the world's poorest and hungriest - are key to maintaining mountain ecosystems, adds FAO's report.

Download