Year of publication 2011

Mountain ecosystems have become increasingly recognized as home to many of the world's poorest and hungriest people, where living conditions and livelihood opportunities are among the harshest and most difficult in the world. But while the understanding and appreciation of the global significance of mountains is increasing, their political and economic support remains insufficient. Yet, these fragile ecosystems are under increasing threat from a variety of causes such as climate change, tourism, mining, and even conflicts. Poverty and food insecurity appear to be even more exacerbated in mountainous dryland areas while more than one quarter of the world's biodiversity hotspots are found in dry-land mountain areas. This publication aims at raising the awareness of the global role of dryland mountains by including these key ecosystems in important global processes such as in particular the UN High Level Panel on Sustainability (GSP). The study wants to be a tool to improve people's livelihoods and maintain the vital function of these key ecosystems. Long term efforts can be generated in order to ensure that the political will is strengthened, new financial resources are mobilized and sustainable development policies and programmes at all levels fully recognize the importance of dryland mountains and their respective communities.