The International Year of Mountains

Despite their imposing presence, mountains are very fragile environments. Mountain soil and vegetation are easily, and sometimes permanently, lost to erosion when natural resources are exploited in an unsustainable manner. The degradation of mountain ecosystems directly affects nearly half the world's population, including both highland and lowland communities.

To raise awareness and trigger action on issues relating to sustainable mountain development, the UN declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains and invited FAO to act as the lead agency.

More information:
- www.mountains2002.org

Date of publication: 22/04/2001

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