A pioneer in mountain research and advocacy
10.10.2024
Jack Ives, a renowned montologist and geographer, passed away on 15 September. His groundbreaking work and unwavering dedication to the study and conservation of mountains left an indelible mark on the field. Jack D. Ives was born on 15 October 1931 in Grimsby, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He studied geography at the University of Nottingham, moved to Canada and received his PhD from McGill University in Montreal in 1956. He walked a path from mountain geomorphology and glaciology to the interdisciplinary study of mountains as the founder of the concept of montology.
Jack D. Ives’ played a key role in establishing the Mountain Agenda, drafting Chapter 13 of the 1997 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, contributing to the United Nations’ designation of 2002 as the International Year of Mountains and establishing the International Mountain Association. His numerous studies and pioneering initiatives, including collaborations with the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations University, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, have been instrumental in shaping international policy on mountain conservation. His work within the International Geographical Union (IGU) has helped raise awareness of the importance of mountains in global development agendas, drawing attention to the unique challenges faced by mountain ecosystems and communities worldwide. Prof Jack D. Ives founded and edited for many years two peer-reviewed journals: Arctic and Alpine Research (1969) and Mountain Research and Development (1981).
Jack D. Ives’ contributions have been honoured with many awards, including the King Albert I Gold Medal (2002), the Royal Geographical Society Patron’s Medal (2006), the Icelandic Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Falcon (2007), and the Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Heritage Medal Lifetime Achievement Award (2015), which recognized his lifetime achievement in mountain research and development. Shortly before his death, he was awarded a Diploma by the Commission for Mountain Studies (CMS) of the IGU at the 35th International Geographical Congress in Dublin and Honourary Membership of the CMS.
We remember Jack Ives as an outstanding and committed personality fully dedicated to the mountains of the world. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers and advocates working to protect and conserve mountains.
Adapted from IGU
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