International Mountain Day

International Mountain Day History

International Mountain Day aims to bring global awareness to the vital role that mountains and highlands play in our planet's economic, environmental, and cultural aspects. The day emphasizes the importance of mountains to life, highlighting how they provide most of the world's freshwater, harbour a quarter of the earth's biodiversity, and are home to many Indigenous communities. In addition, problems surrounding mountain territories, like climate change, land degradation, exploitation, and natural disasters, are also addressed on this day.

The origin of International Mountain Day takes us back to 2002 when the United Nations General Assembly declared it the International Year of Mountains. Following this, the UN designated December 11 International Mountain Day in 2003. The holiday is significant in India due to the country's diverse and extensive mountainous regions, including the Himalayas, which are crucial for biodiversity, climate regulation, and water resources. The initiative to preserve the mountain range aims to promote sustainable development and draw attention to the challenges mountain communities face, such as environmental degradation, climate change, and socioeconomic issues.

In India, International Mountain Day is marked by various activities, including educational events, environmental campaigns, and community initiatives. These activities foster greater understanding and appreciation of the country's mountainous regions and encourage sustainable practices to protect these vital areas. International Mountain Day, observed on December 11, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlighting their beauty and significance in supporting ecosystems and human communities. It represents a crucial platform for raising awareness and proposing sustainable strategies to protect our mountains.

International Mountain Day facts

• The theme for International Mountain Day in 2025 will be Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond. In 2024 the theme was Mountain solutions for a sustainable future- innovation, adaptation, and youth. In 2023 the theme was Restoring Mountain Ecosystems
• Mountains make up 30% of all key biodiversity areas according to the U.N. Key biodiversity areas are those areas recognized as vital for threatened plants and animals. They consist of land, freshwater, and marine sites.
• According to the U.N, around twenty plant species supply 80% of the world's food. Six of them: maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes, and apples originated and were diversified in mountainous regions.
• Mount Kanchenjunga, located in the Indian state of Sikkim, is the highest mountain peak in India at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). It is the third highest peak in the world, after Mount Everest and K2.
• The Aravalli Range, spanning across India's northwestern states of Rajasthan and Haryana, is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, dating back to the Pre-Cambrian era. Guru Shikhar, at 1,722 meters (5,650 feet), is the highest peak in this range.

In the News and Trending in India for International Mountain Day

Top things to do in India for International Mountain Day

• Plan a hike in a mountainous region to better your understanding of the vast amounts of biodiversity that mountains offer.
• Identify local organizations working towards mountain conservation and make donations or volunteer your time to support their efforts.
• Encourage responsible tourism practices in mountainous regions. Support local communities by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, engaging in local cultural experiences, and promoting sustainable tourism activities that do not harm the environment