Despite their imposing presence, mountains
are very fragile environments. Mountain soil and vegetation are easily,
and sometimes permanently, lost to erosion when natural resources are exploited
in an unsustainable manner. The degradation of mountain ecosystems directly
affects nearly half the world's population, including both highland and
lowland communities.
To raise awareness and trigger action on issues relating to sustainable
mountain development, the UN declared 2002 as the International Year of
Mountains and invited
FAO to act as the
lead agency.
More information:
-
Press
Release 11 December 2001 (FAO)
-
International Year of Mountains