For a Sustainable Future

As a matter of fact mountains cover around 22 percent of the earth's land surface and are home to 13% of the world population; that is roughly one billion people live in mountain areas. Their role in moving the world towards sustainable economic growth is well recognised by one and all world over. These mountains provide sustenance to an estimated 915 million mountain people around the world. They also benefit billions more indirectly who are living downstream. As we all know that mountains provide freshwater, energy and food, the resources that are predicted to be increasingly scarce in coming decades. It is estimated that over half the human population depends on mountains for water, food and clean energy

Mountain communities who live in the mountains only over centuries have successfully developed solutions to adapt prevalent harsh environments. They deal with much talked climate change, a reality by now which all of us has to understand and accept. Their indigenous endeavours have remarkably reduced poverty among their communities to a large extent. These mountain communities have protected or restored biodiversity and ecosystems in mountain regions to a great extent.

By celebrating International Mountain Day in line with the specified theme, we should aim to focus on innovative solutions for a number of challenges these mountains and its communities face. It is in the right perspective of the theme of this year that innovative and novel strategies need to be developed for combating Climate Change, improved agriculture activities plausible for enhancing the food produce, mitigation of the indigenous ecological problems and other such issues. We understand that innovation is essential for addressing complex issues pertaining to mountains. We should focus on technological advancement in different fields and exploit digital solutions for monitoring & conservation. This can help us to develop novel ways towards the effective & efficient management of livelihoods, resource and financing.

In view of Climate Change which has become a reality now, fostering adaptation strategies is the need of the hour. This climate change has exacerbated environmental pressures on mountains; therefore, adaptation has become important and imperative for building resilience so that we can reduce the imminent vulnerability. These adaptation strategies must be tailored keeping mountain ecosystems and communities in active consideration. Such efforts must include solutions which should ensure disaster risk reduction and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems for the better synergic effect.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by these regions – from climate change impacts to economic vulnerabilities, we must focus to harness local potential & cultural diversity to promote sustainable development. Our efforts should be aimed for fostering innovative & equitable enterprises in these fragile ecosystems. By providing technical & financial support besides providing relevant platforms we may be successful in connecting local artisans with the artisans of other regions thereby promoting the exchange of skills & preserving cultural heritage through contemporary fashion collections showcased nationally / internationally.

The climate change adds a new dimension to the issue of sustainable development of the places of tourist interest in general and mountains in particular. This has to be addressed appropriately and adroitly handled in view of its far reaching future repercussions. The scientifically supported empirical evidences show that the mountain regions are more vulnerable to climate change than other areas. Therefore, it will be advisable to set three priorities; one climate change adaptation and mitigation, second stimulating implementation of the existing National and International Conventions &  protocols at ground level alongside raising awareness of the potentials involved and stimulating regional cooperation.

The other component of this year’s theme is empowering youth for a sustainable future. The power of the youth cannot be denied. This force has the potential to change the destiny of nations. In order to have innovative & effective mountain solutions & to ensure their long term sustainability; the active, meaningful and inclusive participation of young people in decision making becomes essential & imperative. It is believed that young people are committed to the cause; and when it comes to climate action, innovation & promotion of culture, they constitute to the wonderful lot. Their participation will surely promote quality employment for young persons.

Tail piece

Let us be the leaders for providing motivation not only for the stake holders but also to our youth and generate ideas for future activities. The seriousness of climate change and its expected consequences not only for the mountain regions but for the whole planet calls for immediate efforts and stronger commitment to continue and improve our response, both collectively and individually.

By: Dr Zulfikar Siddiqui