International Mountain Day

-
International Mountain Day
By Dr Arvind Kumar
Mountaineering and explorations societies generally hold lectures and social events on or around 11 December. This year, according to the theme for IMD "Mountains - Key to a Sustainable Future". In the wake of melting of Himalayan glaciers at a fast pace and recurrence of natural disaster like cloud-bursts, landslides and flash floods, there is dire need to preserve mountains and generate awareness among the people inhabiting hilly regions to preserve mountains by growing more trees. Various activities are organized on and around this day with the objective of increasing awareness of and knowledge around the role of mountains and mountainous regions amongst the general population and professionals.

The observance of the day strives to achieve a stronger engagement of all actors and the civil society with a view to mobilising resources to improve the livelihoods of mountain communities. Mountains are the water towers of the world that provide fresh water to at least half of world’s population. Beside being a source of key resources, minerals, forest products, agricultural products and recreation; mountains are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem as a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, a storehouse of biological diversity and endangered species.


Mountains have come to play pre-eminent role in preserving ecological equilibrium in the wake of changing climate. The International Year of Mountains was held in 2002 with the aim of raising awareness and triggering action on issues relating to sustainable mountain development. The leading agency was the Food and Agriculture Organization. As this year drew to a close, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 11 December to be International Mountain Day and encouraged the international community to organize events to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development on this date. International Mountain Day was first observed on 11 December 2003. This observance, which is celebrated annually, aims to draw attention to the important roles that mountainous regions play in water and food supply.

 #InternationalMountainDay #MountainDay #Observance #Resources #Bioversity

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Avoid Plastic and Save Environment

-
Image
Avoid Plastic and Save Environment Plastic is like a common commodity which is essential in our daily lives. Bakelite, nylon and rubber are some examples of synthetic plastics. Almost everything is made of plastic! They are very convenient to use because of their malleability and plasticity. They can be easily moulded by heating. Plastic product may be non-toxic, but some small amounts of the chemicals remain trapped in the product. As a result, when these plastics come in contact with food stuffs, the chemicals mix with the food which we subsequently consume. Plastics are non-biodegradable solids. When we burnt, they release some toxic fumes which cause ozone depletion and pollution; many chemicals are released into the air as well as into water. All these bear hazardous environmental consequences. Plastics are made of crude oil and can be used as fuel. One litter of hydrocarbon is produced from one kilogram of plastic waste. Over 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year w...
Read more

Sustaining Renewable Energy

-
Image
Sustaining Renewable Energy By Dr Arvind Kumar T he success, thus far, of fossil fuels in meeting energy demand any time required has led to a belief that whatever we want we can always have whenever we want it. This of course is leading to problems as it patently can no longer be maintained. It also has lead to the development of quite unrealistic expectations as to how far renewables can replace fossil fuels. Renewable energy is being tagged on to a massive existing demand led fossil fuelled energy system that has historically recorded tremendous growth. Efforts at demand reduction and increased efficiency have seemingly resulted in slight savings and these are often deferred by people opting for higher comfort levels. Viewed in a broad spectrum, almost all the renewable technology presently installed has only made us 96% fossil fuel dependent rather than 100%! This is a cause of worry as to the very extreme degree of energy descent that may be experienced as we move further in...
Read more

‘Vanguards of Change’: Simple yet Extraordinary thinking

-
Image
By Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, India Water Foundation Congratulations on winning the #Padmaawards for the year 2020. We, at India Water Foundation is elated to hear individual’s diverse and momentous endeavors. The award is a reflection of the endless dedication and sincere efforts towards their work which they truly deserve. Their innovative and out-of-box solutions make them distinguished as true Champions of Change. On the eve of 71st Republic Day 2020, Padma awards were given to citizens of India in recognition of their contribution to the society in spheres such as education, literature, science, medicine, social service, etc. Eminent personalities like George Fernandes, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Kannada spiritual icon Sri Vishveshateertha Swami of Pejavar Matt were chosen for the second-highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan posthumously. We have individuals like Harekala Hajabba, who understood the importance of education in today's time and put in eff...
Read more