Mountain biodiversity


Mountains loom large in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Their unique topography, compressed climatic zones and isolation have created the conditions for a wide spectrum of life forms.

Half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are concentrated in mountains and mountains support approximately one-quarter of terrestrial biological diversity. Mountains are home to rare species of plants and animals. These include increasingly rare animals such as gorillas, mountain lions, and the majestic tahr or strikingly beautiful plants such as orchids and lobelias.

A large portion of the world's most precious gene pools (for agriculture and medicine) are preserved in mountains. Crops that are important for food security, such as maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes and apples, have been diversified in mountains and an array of domestic animals - sheep, goats, yaks, llamas and alpacas - have originated or been diversified in mountains. Other crops, such as wheat, rye, rice, oats and grapes, have found new homes in the mountains and evolved into many varieties. Coffee and tea, with their roots in Ethiopia and the Himalayan region, are mountain crops as well. Medicinal plants are one of the most valuable resources from high altitudes. This rich biodiversity holds cultural, ecological and economic value. In the Andes, for example, farmers know of as many as 200 different varieties of Indigenous Peoples' potatoes and, in Nepal, they farm approximately 2 000 varieties of rice.

Climate change, poverty, commercial mining, logging and poaching all exact a heavy toll on mountain biodiversity. The sustainable management of mountain biodiversity has increasingly been recognized as a global priority. The Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a Programme of Work on Mountain Biological Diversity in 2004, which includes a set of actions and targets addressing characteristics and problems that are specific to mountain ecosystems. 

New Zealand

New Zealand's natural heritage threatened by 20 years of environmental inaction

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Less than a month before world leaders meet at a major environmental summit, a WWF’s report warns that New Zealand is falling short on important commitments made at the Earth Summit 20 years ago on greenhouse gases, water quality, land and marine biodiversity, fisheries and education for sustainability. “While it...

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Countries of the Andean Community approved the Andean Environmental Agenda 2012-2016

Countries of the Andean Community approved the Andean Environmental Agenda 2012-2016

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Countries of the Andean Community (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia) approved the Andean Environmental Agenda for the period 2012-2016 during the VI Ordinary Meeting of the Andean Council of the Ministers of Environment and Sustainable Development, held on April 10th 2012.

The objective of the Andean Environmental Agenda 2012-2016 is to...

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Brazilians top biodiversity and Rio+20 Awareness Poll

Brazilians top biodiversity and Rio+20 Awareness Poll

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While Western Nations scored low in awareness of Rio+20 key areas such as biodiversity, Brazilian consumers came out on top for their awareness and understanding of both biodiversity and the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), according to the results of a survey released last week in São Paulo. The...

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Bhutan’s Tiger Protected Areas: How Safe?

Bhutan’s Tiger Protected Areas: How Safe?

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A recent preliminary assessment conducted by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reveals that protected areas for tiger and other threatened species are not necessarily a safe refuge as designed. The preliminary assessment was conducted by examining only three relatively easily measurable factors that may indicate the level of protection and vulnerability....

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Mountain Pavilion to be presented by Peru during RIO+20

Mountain Pavilion to be presented by Peru during RIO+20

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With the collaboration of strategic international partners, the Government of Peru is leading the organization of the Mountain Pavilion at Rio+20. The initiative aims to showcase achievements and progress towards sustainable development in mountain regions to representatives of 191 countries and civil society present at the conference. More...

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IUCN: Thomson Reuters Environmental Media Award

IUCN: Thomson Reuters Environmental Media Award

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For over a decade, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has teamed up with Thomson Reuters Foundation to honor environmental journalism. From 15 May to 15 June 2012, journalists and writers across the world are invited to submit an article on an environmental issue, for the IUCN –...

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