Publications

Investing in Sustainable Mountain Development - Opportunities, Resources and Benefits

17.02.2016

Achieving the ambitious goals formulated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for future investments in mountain regions. Mountains support the livelihoods of millions of people who live in them as well as in the lowlands. But in many mountain regions, development lags behind and poverty rates are high. Without investment, prospects for improvement are scant, as national and international development policies still pay little attention to the specific challenges faced by mountain inhabitants. And yet, mountain ecosystem goods and services and the diverse assets of mountain communities offer significant opportunities for investments fostering sustainable development.

This 74-page publication looks at investments from the perspective of sustainable development. It presents 19 case studies from mountain regions around the world, covering efforts by diverse public and private actors, and ranging from classic examples of development investments to innovative financing mechanisms specifically tailored to the local context and conditions. The publication concludes with specific messages on mountain development, addressed to policy-makers.

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