History
The formation of International Mountain Day history dates back to 1992 when Agenda 21 “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development” of Chapter 13 was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. No doubt, it put a milestone in the history of mountain development. Seeing the increasing attention towards the importance of mountains, the UN General Assembly declared in 2002 the UN International Year of Mountains and designated 11 December as International Mountain Day from 2003 onwards. Therefore we can say that the first time International Mountain Day was celebrated on 11 December 2003. Every year it is celebrated with a particular theme.
Celebrations
It is celebrated in various ways. On this day various forums, hand-on-activities, presentations, student debates, photos, art competitions, hikes, and events targeted to specific groups are organized. You can also join the conversation on social media using the #MountainsMatter hashtag. You can also write about your planning for the event on International Mountain Day at [email protected] so that it can be published on the website of International Mountain Day. You can also share your experience in mountain life, photos of your favorite mountain, moments, etc with your friends, relatives, etc.
Importance of Mountains
Mountains are the most beautiful structures of nature, majestic, and solid they stand against the sky and feel like they can catch the entire countryside in their shadow. They are the sources of recreation and resource. They are the source of agriculture and provide ample space in the slopes for production.
- Mountains play an important role in the water cycle.
- The precipitation of snow in the mountains remains and is stored in the mountains until it melts in the spring and summer season and provides essential water for settlements, agriculture, and industries downstream.
- In fact, in the semi-arid and arid regions, around 90% of the river comes from the mountains.
- In temperate Europe, the Alps that occupy around 11% of the area of the Rhine river basin supply 31% of the annual flow and in summer more than 50%.
- Water coming from the mountains is also the source of hydroelectric power.
- The fuel of wood in developing countries is the predominant source of energy in mountain settlements and is also essential whether as wood or charcoal to many people living in urban lowlands and on the plains.
Therefore, International Mountain Day is celebrated every year on 11 December to raise awareness and focus on the importance of Mountains not only for our lives but also for inhabitants, the ecosystem, and the environment.
