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Mountains cover around 27 percent of the Earth's land surface and host about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots. As the water towers of the world, they supply freshwater to an estimated half of humanity. Mountains are home to an extraordinary range of plants and animals, and to many culturally diverse communities with different languages and traditions. From climate regulation and water provisioning services, to soil maintenance and conservation, mountains are key to our lives and livelihoods.

The theme of International Mountain Day 2023, “Restoring mountain ecosystems”, aims to increase awareness about the crucial role of mountains for people and the planet, calls for nature-based solutions, and seeks to fully include mountains in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030, co-led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). 

To celebrate the day, two events were organized:

Restoring mountain ecosystems - high-level event at the UNFCCC COP 28

Monday, 11 December 2023
14.00–15.00 GST (GMT +4)
Food and Agriculture Pavilion, UNFCCC COP 28, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The International Mountain Day high-level event featured high-level speakers, youth and Indigenous Peoples who will share their perspectives on addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation in mountain regions. 

Download the press release
Read the Mountain Partnership news story
See the photo gallery
Watch the webcast

Sharing knowledge throughout the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: Good practices for the restoration of mountain ecosystems

Wednesday, 13 December 2023
14.30-16.00 CET
Online via Zoom

The Mountain Partnership Secretariat and the FAO-led UN Decade Task Force on Best Practices hosted a technical session to showcase and share good practices for restoration of mountain ecosystems applied by four countries.

Read the Mountain Partnership news story
Watch the webcast recording