News

New report on African mountain development

03.11.2016

On 19 October 2016, Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Partners released a new report that looks at the impact of climate change on mountains in East Africa. “Sustainable Mountain Development in East Africa in a Changing Climate” was launched during the World Mountain Forum in Mbale, Uganda. The new report arrived one year after the “African Mountains Atlas” was launched during the 15th regular session of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN), which took place in March 2015 in Cairo, Egypt.

The African Mountains Atlas and Sustainable Mountain Development in East Africa in a Changing Climate; the two publications present the status of African mountains and their role as pillars of sustainable development on the continent. The two documents are believed to support planners and decision makers in Africa as they provide an overview of mountain issues and a host of proposed solutions that can be adopted to address sustainable mountain development issues in Africa.

The African Mountains Atlas features over 64 maps and 73 satellite images as well as some 50 graphics and hundreds of compelling photos, presenting clear and visual messages about huge development challenges facing Africa’s mountain ecosystems. The publication uses hundreds of ‘before and after’ images, detailed new maps and other satellite data from 53 countries to show the problems facing Africa’s mountain areas, such as landslides in Mount Elgon and Rwenzori, volcanic eruptions and receding glaciers. It also presents challenges and opportunities for Africa as the continent strives to enhance the livelihoods of mountain communities and the services derived from mountain ecosystems.

Sustainable Mountain Development in East Africa in a Changing Climate promotes a regional understanding of mountain ecosystems with a specific focus on climate change and adaptation. It explains how reforesting Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, could help protect vital water supplies that are under threat across large parts of East Africa. The report urges Tanzania to protect Mount Kilimanjaro's water catchment area by reforesting the mountain, investing in early warning systems and making climate adaptation a top priority.

The Executive Director of UNEP, Erik Solheim, said: “Mount Kilimanjaro is only one example of how climate change is severely damaging Africa’s majestic mountains and the people who depend on them. Across the continent, the damage done to these vital ecosystems is depriving people of the basic building blocks of life. As climate change intensifies, it is essential that governments act swiftly to prevent further harm.”

Read more 

Download Sustainable Mountain Development in East Africa in a Changing Climate

Download the African Mountains Atlas 

Photo: Kerri Elliott