No other continent is dominated by mountains as much as South America. Most countries in the region are mountainous. Not only do all the major rivers like the Amazon originate in the Andes, but this vast mountain range also shapes landscapes - deserts and rainforests alike.

Some 85 million people live in the Andes, while at least a further 20 million people are also dependent on mountain resources and ecosystem services in the large cities along the Pacific coast of South America. The Andes play a vital part in national economies yet some of the region’s poorest areas are located in the mountains.

While water is one of the key management challenges in the region, other aspects are equally relevant, not least migration from the mountains to urban centers. Traditional knowledge in the region may no longer suffice to cope with extreme climate events, posing a serious risk to the livelihoods of many. To achieve sustainable development, policy action is required regarding the protection of water resources, responsible mining practices, adaptation to climate change practices and mechanisms to generate and use knowledge for sound decision making.

Transboundary cooperation to promote sustainable mountain development is increasing as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru form a pro-Andes regional mechanism.