This short presentation highlights:

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2 This short presentation highlights: why mountains are important to us all what the Day is about who can participate what mountain biodiversity is the benefits and risks of land use for mountain biodiversity how to exchange information and network ways to provide feedback

3 Mountains are crucial to life cover ¼ of Earth s surface source of freshwater reservoirs of biodiversity centers of cultural diversity but... mountain people are amongst poorest and hungriest land use changes and global warming affect mountains specifically mountain lives and environments are at risk

4 UN Resolution December is International Mountain Day from 2003 onwards

5 Theme for 2006 is... Managing Mountain Biodiversity for Better Lives

6 Why this theme? Mountains are global hotspots of biodiversity and centers of cultural diversity. Many crops and livestock species originate in mountains, with different locally adapted varieties. The present rate of intensification of human resource use puts this unique biological and cultural heritage at risk of extinction and can reduce the provision of food, timber, and medicinal plants damage mountain watersheds and freshwater supply worsen the life and livelihoods of mountain people lead to soil erosion on steep slopes Mountain Biodiversity needs to be managed and protected

7 Biodiversity secures soils on steep slopes GMBA/ Ch.Körner

8 Mountains are global biodiversity hotspots W Barthlott et al. (1999) Number of vascular species per km2 <100 >5 000

9 Why are mountains so diverse? Topography and climate create a multitude of microhabitats each inhabited by specific sets of organisms Habitat diversity is the key to mountain diversity

10 What is mountain biodiversity? Mountain biodiversity is about more than plants, animals and their ecosystems- it is about mountain people and their need for food security, medicines, fresh water, shelter and a healthy environment in which to live; it is about their cultural and social traditions, environmental knowledge and habitat adaptations

11 Sustainable Mountain Biodiversity Management Contributes to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of : No. 1: Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty No. 4: Promote gender equality and empower women No. 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

12 Managing mountain biodiversity : in protected areas or conservation landscapes including agropastoralism/-forestry includes participation of mountain people alleviates poverty and hunger boosts development of mountain products compensates mountain land users for the provision of ecosystem services (PES) is recognized as a global priority (CBD)

13 Land use in mountains: benefit and risk for biodiversity

14 Participation of mountain people is key to sustainable biodiversity management :

15 Who can participate in mountain people general public governments lead institutions for sustainable mountain development NGOs, civil society, private sector academic and research community FAO and other UN representatives International Mountain Day?

16 How can you observe it? public awareness education advocacy media relations

17 Public Awareness organize a campaign go on a hike or an excursion organize a photo exhibition of mountain images raise funds organize a fair of local mountain products distribute leaflets gain support from celebrities

18 Education organize an event on conservation education produce posters, school essays and art for displayin school and community exchange knowledge on sustainable mountain biodiversity management restore an upland area organize youth-led activities integrate sustainable mountain biodiversity management into curriculum

19 Advocacy organize a conference develop a mountain species inventory for the region or community set up governmental structures involve political or community leaders create guidelines on sustainable mountain land use promote benefit sharing arrangements such as Payment for Environmental Services

20 Spread the word in TV, radio, print write journal articles, letters to the editor or newsletter articles broadcast documentation or discussions on local TV or radio station issue press releases, display posters release a TV spot disseminate information in newsletters and lists

21 Tell the world about mountains share stories, plans, materials and contacts exchange experiences on International Mountain Day Web site provide feedback to on how, where and when you observed the Day

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