New global mountain database to launch
18.11.2015
A new global database for the collection of data relevant to mountains will be launched in 2016 by researchers at Utah Valley University in Utah, USA. The database, called ‘Summit’, is a knowledge and action network created for compiling information regarding sustainable development, conflict transformation, peace-building and reconciliation in mountain communities and regions that support the economic and social wellbeing of mountain peoples worldwide. Summit is currently being populated with datasets, academic texts, maps, technical manuals, grey data, citizen science and other inputs in English and will be functional in several languages at its launch.
“There are many innovative solutions to issues of sustainable development and conflict transformation across the globe”, says Michael Minch, Director of Summit, explaining that Summit will be a tool that not only provides that knowledge, but helps create new knowledge.
The database will be used to form a network of researchers, NGOs, governments, multilateral organizations and communities. Not only be a storehouse of information regarding sustainable mountain development and conflict transformation, Summit also aims to create knowledge as users interact with other members of the network. Summit encourages users to collaborate with one another through the database to develop new methodologies, models and strategies to engage local, regional and global problematics by also serving as a collection of projects and programmes.
“Summit will be unique in the world upon its public launch in early 2016 because of its scale, scope and power. We will offer the world a global network, always growing, connected by unprecedented knowledge needed to meet our security challenges, and advance the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals”, added Minch. Inquiries and submissions can be made to Summit here.
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