Mountain people are more exposed to poverty, hunger, social or political marginalization and conflicts and are generally behind in development. 80 percent of the population live below the poverty line and 270 million people lack food security.
Physically isolated and far from decision centres, mountain communities are socially and politically marginalized.

On the other hand, mountain areas have significant potential and provide a wide range of goods and services to the rest of society.

Yet, specific policies, legislation and institutions can play a vital role in promoting food security, rural livelihoods and sustainable development in these regions.

The four-year (2005 - 2008) multi-stakeholder Sustainable and Rural Development in Mountain Regions (SARD-M) project addresses policy issues and bolsters institutions aiming at strengthening mountain populations’ livelihoods with improved policies for SARD.

The project thus contributes to the implementation of Chapters 13 and 14 of Agenda 21 and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.