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Stepping up for mountains in 2016

14.07.2017

The Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) reflects on its key achievements in promoting sustainable mountain development last year in its 2016 annual report. Titled “Stepping up for mountains: Mountain Partnership Secretariat Annual Report 2016”, the publication documents the Secretariat’s work in the areas of advocacy, communication and knowledge management, promoting International Mountain Day, brokering joint action and leading capacity development initiatives.

The 60-page publication highlights noteworthy achievements, such as disseminating the results of the study Mapping the vulnerability of mountain peoples to food insecurity, working with partners to draft the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on sustainable mountain development, celebrating International Mountain Day with 200 events in 44 countries, and training participants of the International Programme on Research and Training on Sustainable Management of Mountain Areas (IPROMO) on managing mountain resources and the role of protected areas. The report also features a regional section, providing a sampling of success stories of Mountain Partnership members on their quest towards developing mountains sustainably. 

Although it is not a comprehensive report of all members’ activities, the annual report is a chance to celebrate and appreciate the many national, regional and international collaborations, institutional strengthening, capacity development initiatives, thematic conferences and scientific reports that have happened within the framework of the Mountain Partnership in 2016.

“As we look back at our accomplishments, I invite our members to keep flying the mountain flag high, building on our knowledge, rich diversity and commitment,” said Thomas Hofer, MPS Coordinator, in his opening message. “Considering the Paris Agreement and the commitments of the 2030 Agenda that ‘no one be left behind’, I believe now is the time to step up the level of attention that mountains receive and ensure that they are always included in relevant international negotiations.”

Since its establishment in 2002, the Mountain Partnership has worked to raise awareness of the global importance of mountain ecosystems, improve the lives of mountain peoples and protect mountainous environments.

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Photo: FAO/Edson Vandeira