This technical brief examines the links between glaciers, agriculture and livelihoods, and highlights the potential of sustainable mountain farming to restore ecosystems, conserve resources and build resilience.
Mountains cover 27 percent of Earth and support 1.2 billion people, yet climate change intensifies floods, landslides, and glacial outburst risks. Their fragility and isolation heighten vulnerability, making disaster-resilient infrastructure crucial. The report urges technological, ecological and Indigenous approaches, stronger governance, inclusive planning and innovative financing to protect communities and ecosystems.
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This technical brief provides an updated global assessment of mountain population trends from 2000 to 2030, using the UNEP–WCMC mountain classification. The global mountain population is projected to reach 1.19 billion by 2030. These dynamics call for inclusive territorial planning, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger data systems to advance sustainable mountain development and support the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023–2027).
Rangelands are increasingly threatened by environmental pressures, restrictive land-use policies and the erosion of traditional pastoralist systems. This resolution recognizes that sustainable pastoralism is essential for conserving and restoring rangelands, supporting biodiversity and community resilience. It commits IUCN to advocating sustainable governance, raising awareness and strengthening partnerships with pastoralist communities.
Mountain ecosystems are among the most sensitive and rapidly changing environments on the planet, facing compound and simultaneous pressures from climate change and biodiversity loss. Despite their extreme vulnerability, these landscapes are essential for global resilience. This Policy Brief argues that preserving biodiversity and combating climate change are inseparable processes that must be addressed in an integrated manner.
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The 12th edition of the Chronicle, features exclusive interviews, expert insights and updates on the India Water Foundation’s initiatives from January to July 2025. It highlights progress in water security, climate resilience and sustainable development, while capturing perspectives from global leaders and stories of impact from the ground.
This open-issue of Mountain Research and Development Vol. 45, No. 3 focuses on Innovation Pathways to Sustainability in Mountains. It features four Mountain Research articles that generate systems-knowledge. The articles include community-based land tenure supporting labour-migration in Andean pastoral systems, innovation in European mountain product value chains, longitudinal crop boom and bust dynamics in China and a Canadian mountain assessment.
This document presents the outcome of the Conference convened in Dushanbe, including the Chair’s Summary, the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration and the Dushanbe Glaciers Appeal. It outlines commitments by States and stakeholders to reinforce international cooperation, strengthen glacier protection and address climate change impacts on mountain ecosystems.
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The present report of the Secretary-General has been prepared pursuant to General Assembly resolution 77/172 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, with input from Governments, United Nations agencies and other relevant organizations.
The publication features a wide array of initiatives and activities undertaken by Mountain Partnership members across the globe, showcasing the strength of local-to-global collaborations. From regional dialogues and thematic conferences to community-driven restoration projects and cutting-edge scientific research, the report celebrates the growing momentum behind the Mountain Agenda as the world moves further into the Five Years of Action.
Nainital town is unique for its biodiversity and ecological diversity. It is home to more than 350 species of resident and migratory birds, 20 species of mammals, and over 80 species of butterflies. The flora covers a wide and diverse range of plants, including Bryophytes, orchids, rare climbing plants, ferns, lichens, fungi, medicinal herbs, and shrubs...
From glaciers to construction sites, through heritage conservation and climate action, Zoï’s 2024 journey reflects the diversity of our team’s talents six people, six passions, all driving change...
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The Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration sets out actionable commitments and collaborative strategies for glacier preservation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
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"The voices of glaciers: Stories of grief and hope amidst shrinking glaciers in the tropics" is a book that gives voice to 35 individuals—from Indigenous peoples and scientists to artists and tourists—whose lives are intimately connected to tropical glaciers. The book documents their feelings, perceptions and experiences, as well as their adaptations to a rapidly changing reality as these glaciers disappear.
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Water scarcity is rising in high-altitude communities, with climate change increasing the vulnerability of mountain regions like the Andes and Himalayas. Retreating glaciers, erratic rainfall and mismatched water supply and farming needs threaten ecosystems and lives. This report examines the planning, implementation and local impact of Artificial Ice Reservoir (AIR) systems in seven high-altitude villages.
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This open issue contains 4 Mountain Research articles offering systems knowledge. In the first article, Tom Perreault (who also contributed the issue's cover photo) shows that community-based land tenure arrangements can support temporary labour migration among Andean pastoralists by incentivizing migrants to return to, and maintain land and animals in their home communities.
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2024 was a transformative year for GHE, having reached over 1 million lives and proving that purposeful, community-led innovation can drive systemic change in even the most remote corners of India. This report showcases the activities of GHE for 2024.
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Mountain regions face rising disaster risks, with increasing events, losses and impacts driven by growing exposure, vulnerability and climate change. Strengthening understanding of past disasters is critical to better assess future risks. Closing this knowledge gap will support more effective disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable infrastructure planning, contributing to resilient livelihoods and improved wellbeing in mountain areas.
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Andean glaciers are thinning by 0.7 metres annually, 35 percent faster than the global average, due to climate change. This accelerates water scarcity risks for 90 million people, impacting agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods. Urgent action is required to mitigate these effects and support affected communities.
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This study in Nepal’s Jajarkot District analysed 16 factors to map landslide susceptibility using a genetic algorithm and Maxent modeling. Land use, slope, and hydrology emerged as key contributors. The findings support better-informed disaster risk management through optimized factor selection and mapping resolution, offering practical guidance for Himalayan landslide mitigation.
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