Mountains Matter

The world has been celebrating International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11 December every year since 2003. Mountains make up one quarter of the world’s landscape and they are the source of most of its fresh water. Over two billion people worldwide depend on food produced in mountainous regions and many more benefit from the minerals, timber, and hydro-electricity that are derived from mountain resources. Mountains also harbour a rich variety of plants and animals.

International Mountain Day presents an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints related to mountain development, and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands. The theme this year is ‘Mountains Matter’.

Tentative Programme:

• Message from the Director General
• Announcement of ICIMOD Mountain Film Award
• Announcement of the ICT for Mountain Development Award
• Announcement of Koshi gender photo competition results and slide presentation of photo stories