International Mountain Day, which aims to encourage the conservation and sustainable development of mountains, is celebrated on December 11. Preserving mountains is a key factor for sustainable development. It is also part of Goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals drawn up in 2015 by the United National General Assembly.
History and meaning
The world began to take the importance of mountains seriously after the effects of climate change became undeniable. Recognizing its importance, the UN had first declared all of 2002 the UN International Year of Mountains. Then it was announced that the first International Mountain Day would be celebrated the following year, in 2003.
Tourism is an important aspect of mountains. For a sustainable development of mountains, a sustainable way of tourism must be found. It can create livelihoods for those living in these high-altitude regions and help preserve the landscape and biodiversity. Sustainable tourism is a way of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the mountains.
International Mountain Day 2021: Theme
The theme of International Mountain Day this year is sustainable mountain tourism. The celebration of this international day is largely supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The UN has asked individuals and groups to raise awareness about mountains on Dec. 11 by “preparing an event or joining the conversation on social media using the hashtag “Mountains Matter.”