FAO.org

Vertical Amble Mountaineering continues its tradition of celebrating International Mountain Day (IMD) with the organization of several activities to mark the 2017 observance. This year, they are joining forces with other clubs of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, India to celebrate IMD in the town hall of Pahalgam, Kashmir and raise awareness about how climate change, hunger and migration are affecting highlands.

The Association Assirem Gouraya will host the sixth edition of the National Mountain Festival in Bejaia, Algeria on 7-15 December in celebration of International Mountain Day 2017. Organized under the theme "Mountains under pressure: climate, hunger and migration", activities include an orienteering competition, a national hike, the planting of cedar trees, cleaning up waste in the mountains and more. The festival aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting mountains and forests and the richness of local cultures.

The Carpathian Mountains play an important role in Romania's history. Beyond the ecosystem goods and services they provide, the Carpathians offer a place for relaxation and recreation. To encourage people to write about the mountains and mountain activities, AECO Romania organized the second edition of its online writing contest within the context of the Reading Mountains Festival, coordinated by the Alpine Convention. The winners of the contest will be announced on 11 December, International Mountain Day.

From the highest mountain in Portugal - Pico Island, Azores - MiratecArts will launch the programme of the fourth edition of the Montanha Pico Festival on 11 December, International Mountain Day. The event will include the opening of award-winning photographer Nelson Silva's exhibition "Pico Mountain" at the Madalena Port. The Montanha Pico Festival, to begin in January 2018, will include a film festival, book launches, concerts and more.

The Faculty of Geography together with the Geography Students Association at the University of Bucharest, Romania will celebrate International Mountain Day on 11 December along the theme of  climate, hunger and migration in mountains. Inventor Alexandru Băran will present his recent expedition to the mountains of Central Asia. Professor Anca Munteanu will share her experience volunteering in post-earthquake Nepal. Finally, students will discuss why mountains are important for youth.

The Jammu and Kashmir Mountaineering and Hiking Club of Srinagar, Kashmir, India has celebrated International Mountain Day annually since 2011. This year, to raise awareness about protecting mountain ecosystems, the club is organizing film screenings, mountain running and biking events, and several other programmes. The club is also developing a souvenir for the occasion.

As part of a series of activities organized in celebration of International Mountain Day (IMD) 2017, the Real Casino de Murcia hiking group visited the caves of “Los Morciguillos y de la Iglesia" on the Bajil Alto in Moratalla, Spain. The group’s 2017 IMD activities will culminate with the event “Walking for life, with Antonio Hernandez Castillo” on 11 December at 19.30 in the assembly hall of the Real Casino de Murcia.

The Mountain Research Centre of Mongolia, together with the National University of Mongolia, is organizing a scientific conference on 11 December 2017 in celebration of International Mountain Day. Scientists, researchers, students and professionals will come together to discuss the current state of the mountain studies in Mongolia and discuss future opportunities for collaboration to support the livelihoods of mountain peoples.

Vanoise National Park will celebrate International Mountain Day in the Meribel Centre in Les Allues, France at 18.00 on 11 December. The park will share the results of Plan de Tuéda Nature Reserve’s 2017 activities and the new regulations on tourism and sports. Bertrand Loheac, a technician from the Savoie Fishing Federation, will present a summary of the study of Mount Coua lakes. Furthermore, lepidopterist Philippe Francoz will exhibit a collection of butterflies. The evening will conclude with a potluck. [...]

University of Foix students will highlight how the Pyrenees Mountains are under pressure in observance of International Mountain Day 2017. The Club Alpin Francais will accompany the students on a walk to a nearby mountain and provide information on the Pyrenees. Guests from the university and town hall will discuss the issues facing the tourism and agriculture sectors in the mountains. The event will close with a presentation of the Haute Route Pyreneenne and an evening of traditional harmonica music. [...]