But it was established earlier — in 1992 at the UN Conference on Environment and Development, when Agenda 21 was adopted, chapter 13 of which, entitled «Rational use of vulnerable ecosystems: sustainable mountain development», became a milestone in the history of mountain development. And increased attention to the role of mountains prompted the General Assembly to declare 2002 the International Year of Mountains, and next year today.
The UN General Assembly called on the international community to organize events on this day at all levels in order to draw attention to the problems of development of the mountain regions of the planet and the need to provide assistance to their population. The relevant resolution noted the particular relevance of actions aimed at the sustainable development of mountain regions.
Educational events dedicated to this Day, as a rule, include thematic book fairs, symposia, lectures and seminars, and thematic classes are also held in schools. Mountain hobbyist societies typically hold educational and recreational activities during the week that includes December 11.
Mountains occupy almost one-fourth of the land surface, play a critical role in moving our world towards sustainable economic development, and are home to 15% of the population. Not only do they provide a source of livelihood and well-being for the nearly 1.1 billion people living in mountainous areas, but they indirectly benefit the billions living at their foot. And, of course, we must not forget that the — mountains are a reserve for many unique species of plants and animals, the source of water for all the main rivers of the Earth.
But environmental degradation leads to drought, landslides, landslides and other natural disasters in the mountains, and the aggravation of the political situation in the mountainous regions — leads to local wars, the spread of terrorism, an increase in the number of refugees, hunger and disease. Mountain ecosystems are also at risk of pollution. Microplastics are found even at the top of Everest.
All this leads to the loss of the unique natural and human potential of mountain regions. That is why it is so important to draw the attention of the world community to these problems in order to preserve mountains.
Mountains — is a reserve for many unique species of plants and animals (Photo: Jool-yan, licensed from Shutterstock.com)
Mountains are vulnerable ecosystems of global importance as a source of much of the world's freshwater, a habitat for unique biological diversity and a rich cultural heritage, and a popular destination for recreation and tourism.
By the way, mountain tourism attracts from 15 to 20% of world tourism. However, tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the mountains, the constraints associated with it have further exacerbated the vulnerability of mountain communities. This crisis provides an opportunity to rethink mountain tourism and its impact on natural resources and livelihoods, to better manage it and use it for a more sustainable, green and inclusive future.
It should also be noted that every year a topic is determined for the International Day of Mountains, within the framework of which information materials are developed and events are held. So, over the years, the mottoes of the Day were the words: «World: the key to sustainable development of mountain areas», «Mountain tourism: how to make it work for the poor», «Food security in the mountains», «Mountain disaster risk management», «Mountain minorities and indigenous peoples», «Mountains: The key to a sustainable future», «Mountain culture: diversity and identity», «Mountains at risk: climate, hunger, migration», «The meaning of mountains», «Mountains and youth», «Mountain biodiversity», «Sustainable mountain tourism», «Women are closing mountains», «Restoring mountain ecosystems» and others.
The highest mountain in Western Europe is Mont Blanc in the Alps (Photo: pedrosala, licensed by Shutterstock.com)
Europe is also famous for its mountain resorts, among which the Alps are popular. The highest mountain in Western Europe is Mont Blanc (located in the Alps, on the border of France and Italy). In July 1965, a tunnel was inaugurated under Mont Blanc, connecting the resort centers of France and Italy.
Japan has repeatedly nominated Japan's highest mountain, the country's «-calling card, » Mount Fuji —, as a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But Fuji's candidacy was rejected due to the mountain's severe litter. A truly popular volunteer movement has begun in Japan with the goal of putting the mountain slopes in order — climbers and climbers, company employees and pensioners, teachers, schoolchildren and students — all concerned took part in cleaning up national pride. Finally, on June 22, 2013, Mount Fuji was officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Every year on August 8, the world celebrates International Mountaineering Day (Climber Day).
Postcard «December 11 — International Mountain Day»