THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE

MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
Kanwal Rubab
 There is evidence that water, energy and
food will be increasingly scarce resources in
coming decades.
Mountains will play an increasingly important role in
the provision of freshwater for a growing global
population, and of energy and biodiversity
conservation.
Without SMD, the world will not be able to
solve the global problem of increasing water
scarcity.
 Mountain systems are
essential building blocks
for long-term sustainable
global development,
poverty alleviation and
the transition towards a
green economy,
and play a crucial role in
global efforts for
climate change
adaptation and
mitigation.
The adoption of Chapter 13 “Managing Fragile
Ecosystems: SMD” was a milestone in the
history of mountain development.
 promotes the SD of mountain regions,
points out the need for better understanding of
the ecology of mountain ecosystems, and
clearly acknowledges mountains’ importance for
humankind.
Two decades later,
– awareness about the global importance of mountain
ecosystems,
– the fragility of their resources and
– the difficult living conditions
of many mountain people has increased significantly.
SMD does not yet receive sufficient attention on the
international agenda, and there are still significant
constraints to alleviating poverty, mitigating
environmental degradation and attaining SD in
mountain regions.
Since then, it has become clear that most targets
will not be met within the envisaged timeframe and
that additional efforts are needed.
 Investing in SMD contributed to MDG 1; by
promoting the economic integration of mountain
regions and enhancing the availability and efficient
use of land and water resources for food production.
The sound management of mountain ecosystems is
essential for meeting MDG 7; in particular, it
addresses the 3 targets of reversing the loss of
environmental resources, reducing the loss of
biodiversity, and halving the proportion of people
without sustainable access to safe drinking-water.
As sustainable mountain development
requires strong collaboration and
partnerships among all the
stakeholders involved.
This process provides an excellent opportunity to
emphasize the global importance of SMD,
enhance awareness and increase investments.

It was the 3rd international conference on SD

aimed at reconciling the economic and
environmental goals of the global community.
 Rio+20 - took place in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil on 20-22 June 2012.

In Rio, Member States decided to launch a

process to develop a set of SDGs, which will
build upon the MDGs and converge with the post
2015 development agenda
 Most of the
key REDD+
It was first decisions were
negotiated completed by
under 2013, with the
the UNFCCC final pieces of
since 2005. the rulebook
finished in
2015.

With 28 percent of the world’s forests, mountain areas

have huge potential for carbon storage and
sequestration and should be considered for Reducing
Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
in Developing Countries.
 Kyoto Protocol’s AF, includes a specific clause favoring
proposals with a mountain component, offer new
opportunities for investments in mountain regions.

It was established in 2001 to finance concrete adaptation

projects and programmes in developing country Parties to
the KP that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse
effects of climate change.
It is an international treaty which extends the
1992 UNFCCC that commits State Parties to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the
premise that (a) global warming exists and (b)
human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.
 The United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change is an international environmental
treaty negotiated at the Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992, then entered
into force on 21 March 1994.

It sets an overall framework for
intergovernmental efforts to tackle the
challenge posed by climate change.
 Investments in
mountain regions are
an essential and
rational approach,
particularly when
taking into account not
only short-term
economic returns, but
also long-term
ecological and social
benefits.
Mountain people need support to meet the
new challenges and to benefit from
emerging opportunities such as the green
economy.
Innovative financial mechanisms for the valuation
of mountain goods and services have to be
developed.
 Closer financial linkages
between upstream and
downstream areas and
among the private sector,
government institutions
and local entrepreneurs
are also required.
The local mountain potential for
innovations should be explored
and promising initiatives
supported.
 There is clear need for a
stronger enabling
environment with more
supportive laws, policies and
institutions, and countries
with mountain systems
should join forces to make
their voices heard.
 Food security,
poverty Sustainable
alleviation and mountain
overall development is
development therefore
are critically essential for
linked to the well-being
mountain of not only
ecosystems and mountain
processes in people but of
mountain all humankind.
regions.
In 1998, the UN General Assembly proclaimed that
2002 would be the IYM.

This year provided a catalyst for long-term and

effective actions for implementing Chapter 13.
 It contributed significantly to raising awareness
about mountain issues, supported the establishment
of 78 national committees, and strengthened
partnerships among different stakeholders.

Since 2005, prompted by the IYM initiative, the

UN SG has made a biennial report to the UN GA on
the status of SD in mountain regions.
 This day has been celebrated since 2003 with a
different theme each year, and provides apt occasion
for events that highlight the importance of SMD.
Action is needed to have relevant regional and
national programmes and local initiatives, and
existing institutions, partnerships and policy
frameworks offer important platforms for
promoting and intensifying SMD and for
concrete action on the ground.
 Launched at the World
Summit on SD in 2002, it
taps its members’ wealth and
diversity of expertise to
promote results based
collaboration, projects and
information exchange on
mountain issues at the
national, regional and global
levels.
 It is also a
mechanism for
networking and
advocacy to support
the cause of SMD
in relevant
international
processes and UN
Conventions.
 This is an
international,
voluntary alliance
dedicated
to improving the lives
of
mountain people and
protecting
their environments
around the world.
 Currently it has about 180 members from
governments, civil society, intergovernmental
organizations and the private sector.
Its Secretariat consists of a Central Hub, hosted at
FAO.

Latin
America
Hub

Central Asia
Asia Hub Pacific
Hub
 In September 2015, 193 world
leaders agreed to 17 Global
Goals for SD.

If these Goals are completed, it

would mean an end to extreme
poverty, inequality and climate
change by 2030.
Goal 13:
Goal 15: