Mountains are Natural Jewels of the Planet

On December 11, individuals around the world take part in the International Mountain Day celebration, honoring the splendor and significance of mountains. These ancient, majestic structures stand resolute against the sky, casting shadows over entire landscapes, and providing a formidable barrier against storms. Mountains serve as recreational venues and valuable resources, inviting enthusiasts to brave their rocky terrains.

Mountains are some of nature’s most captivating geological formations, serving for centuries as sanctuaries for play and spiritual devotion across various cultures. Recognized as particularly sensitive environments, mountains have experienced rapid changes historically and continue to evolve. Given that 90% of Manipur is comprised of hills, this day holds special relevance in the region.

The theme for 2024, “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation, and youth,” underscores the necessity of innovative approaches to address complex mountain-related challenges. Innovations range from technological advancements to creative problem-solving techniques such as climate-smart agriculture.

Mountain communities have navigated harsh environments for centuries, developing ways to tackle climate change, alleviate poverty, and protect biodiversity. Climate change imposes pressures that make adaptation critical for building resilience and reducing vulnerability. Strategies for adaptation include ecosystem-based approaches for disaster risk reduction and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems.

The involvement of youth is integral for the long-term sustainability of mountain solutions. International Mountain Day amplifies opportunities for decent work, quality employment, training, and entrepreneurship, ensuring sustainable use of mountain resources.

Mountains cover about 27% of our planet’s land surface and contain roughly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Known as the “water towers” of the planet, they supply freshwater to approximately half of humanity. Home to diverse plants, animals, and culturally rich communities, mountains boast unique languages and customs.

As precious natural jewels, mountains play a critical role in ecosystems. The freshwater sourced from mountains is crucial for global food security, providing irrigation for lowland regions and supporting clean energy and medicinal resources.

Despite their beauty, mountains face significant threats from climate change, overexploitation, and pollution, placing both human communities and the environment at risk. As temperatures rise globally, mountain glaciers are melting, impacting downstream freshwater supplies and exacerbating challenges for mountain-dwelling populations, among the world’s most impoverished.

According to research, up to 84% of endemic species in mountain regions are at risk of extinction. Many depend on mountains for essential resources like water, food, and energy. Mountain farming, with its low carbon footprint, has sustainably fed civilizations for centuries. Six out of the twenty plant species that provide 80% of the world’s food have their origins in mountain climates: maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes, and apples.

As early indicators of climate change, mountain ecosystems highlight the intersection between environmental shifts and socio-economic challenges. Natural disasters fueled by climate shifts, alongside political and economic marginalization, amplify food shortages and extreme poverty risks for mountain populations.

Additionally, mountains often serve as depositories for pollutants, exemplified by the profound impacts of plastic pollution, compounded by tourism. Over 90% of mountain dwellers reside in developing countries, with many facing poverty and food insecurity.

Moreover, mountains play vital roles in tourism and culture. Mountain tourism encompasses about 18% of the global tourism industry. Local knowledge and cultural practices offer insights for effective land management and climate adaptation.

The potential for renewable energy in mountain regions is significant, from hydro to wind, solar, and biogas power. Hydroelectric energy currently constitutes about a fifth of global electricity production, with some nations depending entirely on it.

Mountains house traditional medicines and unique handicrafts, reflecting the enduring legacy of mountain communities. The health and well-being of countless plant and animal species depend on mountain ecosystems.

The expansive terrain of the world’s mountains offers breathtaking landscapes, vast ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and unique human cultures. Genetic diversity is often higher in these regions. When mountain communities vanish, so do entire cultures and languages. These areas have historically served as refuges during environmental changes, nurturing endemic species.

Global warming threatens to confine certain species native to mountain regions, diminishing their habitats. Changes in precipitation and rising temperatures also challenge the water retention capacities of mountain ranges, leading to habitat erosion and increased risk of landslides, flooding, and food insecurity.

Celebrating this day invites exploration of mountain beauty through trails and unspoiled wilderness adventures. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize the vulnerability of mountains to both natural and human-induced threats, which degrade ecosystems and impact millions of livelihoods. Let us unite in efforts to preserve and protect our mountains for future generations.