Glaciers and mountains are our planet’s water towers, providing freshwater to billions of people. With nearly 70 percent of Earth’s freshwater stored in ice and snow, they sustain agriculture, biodiversity, industry and communities both in mountain regions and beyond. 

Yet these icy giants are melting at an alarming pace due to climate change—threatening water supplies, food security and the cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples and mountain communities, while also increasing risks such as landslides and glacial lake outburst floods. 

This year’s International Mountain Day is a contribution to the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, supporting efforts to underscore the critical role glaciers and mountain regions play in providing global freshwater and essential ecosystem services.  

The International Mountain Day photo competition is now closed. We thank all participants for sharing their powerful images and stories of glaciers—and the communities whose lives and traditions depend on them.

The winning photo, which will receive an action camera, will be announced soon.

Stay tuned to discover the selected images that help shine a light on why glaciers matter—and why protecting them is so urgent.