International Mountain Day

International Mountain Day (IMD) is celebrated annually on 11 December to raise awareness about the importance of mountains to life. The consequences of modernisation such as climate change and overexploitation are putting mountains under threat. Hence, conservation of mountains is a crucial factor. In this article, you will read about the day and its significance.

As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about International Mountain Day to get the basic information. The topic, if at all asked in the UPSC Prelims, will form the part of the current affairs.

Facts about International Mountain Day for UPSC Exam

Read the below-mentioned facts about International Mountain Day; and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.

The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.

To read more about the other Important International and National Days, click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.

Mountains: Significance and Threats

• According to the United Nations (UN), 15% of the total population of the world and about 50% of the world’s biodiversity hotspots live in the mountains. Mountains are not only significant for inhabitants but also for millions of people living in lowlands.
• Mountains provide fresh water to nearly half of humanity. They are also the source of the world’s major rivers and also play a crucial role in the water cycle.
• Nature is facing the burn of human development as mountain glaciers are melting at faster rates, the biodiversity is getting extinct and there is a crunch of freshwater resources. Therefore, it becomes essential to reduce the carbon footprint and conserve these mountains and their diversities.

Read about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the linked article.

About International Mountain Day

• International Mountain Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the threats faced by the mountains. Their conservation is the key factor for sustainable development and is part of Goal 15 of the SDGs.
• The day is celebrated every year with a unique theme. The theme for 2021 is “Sustainable mountain tourism.“
• The theme is very significant as it aims to develop additional and alternative livelihood options and as a result promote biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation and social inclusion.
• Thus, sustainable tourism helps to preserve our natural, cultural, and spiritual heritage. It encourages local crafts and high-value products, and also celebrates several traditional practices like local festivals.

Practice Environment and Ecology Questions of UPSC Mains GS 3 in the linked article.

Background of International Mountain Day

• In 1992, a document, “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development” (called Chapter 13), was adopted as part of the action plan Agenda 21 of the Conference on Environment and Development.
• The increasing attention to the importance of mountains led the UN to declare 2002 the UN International Year of Mountains. The first international day was celebrated for the first time the following year, 2003.

Significance of International Mountain Day

• International Mountain Day aims to focus on the development of mountains and opportunities that can preserve biodiversity.
• The day educates people, so they are able to understand better the role of mountains in the environment and their impact on life.
• The day is used to raise awareness and focus on the importance of Mountains not only for our lives but also for inhabitants, the ecosystem, and the environment.

Note: As UPSC 2022 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.

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