This year the theme of International Mountain Day is ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism.’ According to UN, mountain tourism attracts around 15-20 percent global tourism.
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| First time International Mountain Day was celebrated on December 11, 2003 (Photo:-pexels) |
International Mountain Day is celebrated annually on December 11. This day highlights the importance of mountains and the need to preserve them as 15% population of the world live there.
According to UN, mountain tourism attracts around 15-20 percent global tourism. On this international day, one can spread awareness about the mountains by holding virtual events and using the #Mountainsmatter on the social media.
International Mountain Day 2021:- Theme
Every year, a particular theme is decided by the United Nations on this day. This year the theme of International Mountain Day is ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism.’
Sustainable tourism in mountains can help in creating additional and alternative ways of livelihood and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation.
“It is a way to preserve the natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, to promote local crafts and high value products, and celebrate many traditional practices such as local festivals.”, UN said.
International Mountain Day 2021:- History and Importance
The need of this day arose because of worsening condition of the mountains and mountain communities. The United Nations proclaimed this day in 2002 and first time International Mountain Day was celebrated on December 11, 2003.
Mountains are home to 15% of the world’s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. It provides fresh water to half of the humanity but the condition of mountains worsening day by day due to climate change and overexploitation.
The temperature of atmosphere getting warm, which adversely affects the mountains. The rising temperature means glaciers of the mountains melting and it affecting the freshwater supplies downstream for millions of people.
Mountain tourism is one of the sectors most affected by Covid-19 pandemic, which is affecting economies, livelihoods, public services and opportunities on all continents. According to UN, it is an opportunity to rethink about mountain tourism and to manage it in a better way.
In the coming months, FAO, leading UN for this day, will prepare communication material in all the six languages of UN. It will be available on their website and hard copy will be available upon request.