
International Mountain Day 2024
International Mountain Day was announced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2003, following the growing awareness generated by the International Year of Mountains in 2002. For the entire world, 11 December underscores the crucial role that mountains play in human life, from sustaining the environment to safeguarding cultural heritage: the date was chosen for its symbolic connection with the Kyoto Protocol, one of the first steps taken to address climate change at the global level, which was signed 11 December 1997.
The goal is to raise awareness about how important mountains are for the planet and for humanity. The well-being of the mountains is closely related to the well-being of the global population. When the mountains are unwell, the health of all is at risk: global factors such as climate change, deforestation and the intensive exploiting of mountains have been threatening the delicate balance that exists in the mountains for decades, posing a risk of critical consequences for everyone.
The focus for International Mountain Day 2024, "Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth", highlights the need to adopt innovative solutions for environmental and social challenges. In addition, empowering young people and holding them accountable is crucial to guaranteeing a sustainable future over the long term: with their creativity, awareness and action, the coming generations have the ability to drive positive change and guide the transition to a world that is more equitable, greener and more respectful of natural resources.
MOUNTAINS, HEAVENS OF BIODIVERSITY
Mountains cover approximately 27% of the terrestrial surface, they condense 60-80% of the sweet water that originates from mountain reservoirs and are home to 50% of the world's biodiversity hotspots: these provide a home for iconic species such as the snow leopard, the giant panda and several varieties of medicinal plants essential for traditional and modern medicine. But a different set of worrying numbers also relate to mountains: recent studies show that 84% of endemic mountain species risk extinction, while the frequency of avalanches and the number of people faced with drought are increasing. Climate change is accelerating the mountain crisis: the glaciers are melting, with devastating effects on global water cycles. Nearly one fourth of the mass of glaciers was lost between 1961 and 2016, a loss that threatens the water supply of billions of people: mountains are the planet's "water towers", supplying the major rivers and sustaining the agricultural, industrial and urban ecosystems located downstream. Preserving the mountains is essential for global food and water safety.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS
Mountains are also an extraordinary and unique reservoir for people’s mental and physical well-being: walking and other forms of movement in the mountains help reduce stress thanks to the beneficial contact with nature, and exposure to inspiring landscapes has positive effects on the nervous system. Hiking and trekking improve circulation, promote weight control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The immune system also benefits from contact with the microbial biodiversity found in mountains, boosting the body's ability to fight inflammation and infections. In addition, weather and physical exercise release endorphins, hormones related to well-being, and reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol.
International Mountain Day reminds us that mountains offer more than breathtaking landscapes, they are a precious heritage for all of humanity. We are all responsible for safeguarding and appreciating these ecosystems.