Celebration: Events across three countries
The Caucasus Network for Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions joined the UN/FAO initiative to observe the International Mountain Day (IMD) under the title "Restoring Mountain Ecosystems" with a week long series of events across the region by our Country Representatives.
This year undertakings focused on youth development activities, such as youth education and engagement, which play a key role in environmental protection and social and economic development. Public relations efforts were directed towards awareness raising on mountain ecosystems, sustainable production and consumption patterns and strengthening of both formal and informal education on climate change and viable lifestyles among youth. To achieve these goals, three country offices joined efforts with educational institutions and hosted high school and university students to enhance their understanding and interest towards the climate crisis. In the weeks preceding the International Mountain Day celebration, students were invited to participate in the essay, photo and painting competitions, and winners were announced during the main event. Also, educational programmes by the environment experts and academics were offered.
The first event took place on 8 December in Baku, Azerbaijan in close cooperation with the Western Caspian University, gathering 80 university and high school students. The event featured presentations and speeches delivered by the University professors, NGO representatives, field experts and practitioners discussing the current situation of the mountains, existing risks and new challenges. The former Environment Minister and the Project Head of the Swiss Development Program of the Embassy of Switzerland in Azerbaijan addressed the participants. There was a photo and painting exhibition by students and an award ceremony for winners of the essay competition about protection and conservation of mountain habitats held among school children.
On 11 December, International Mountain day was marked in Armenia by holding an eco-educational event in cooperation with "Reserve Complex" and Forest Park "Jrvezh". The aim of the event was to raise awareness on mountain ecosystem challenges and recovery pathways. The Sustainable Caucasus hosted NGO representatives, experts and 50 students. The participants had an opportunity to take part in a study tour to explore the biodiversity of the forest park. During the event, university professors spoke about the current situation and challenges faced by the Caucasus Mountain ecosystems, while the founder of the "ArmLand" hiking group as well as other mountain climbers and eco-tourists shared their expertise and experience.
The final event of the celebration week dedicated to the IMD 2023 was held on 14 December in Tbilisi, Georgia. The event aimed at deepening the understanding and raising interest towards the climate crisis. In close cooperation with Ilia State University, the Sustainable Caucasus hosted 100 high school students and members of eco-clubs. After the screening of a short movie about the Georgian Glaciers, co-produced by the UNDP Georgia and EuroNews Georgia, students had an opportunity to engage in the follow-up panel discussion and the series of presentations. There was an award ceremony of participants of the Essay Competition on Restoring Mountain Ecosystems. The event was closed by a photo exhibition of Georgian mountains wildlife and mountain produce.
News by The Caucasus Network for Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions
Photo by Евхаритский Александр