Fwd: RedGeoAndes Fwd: International Mountain Day 2013 - Mountains - Key to a Sustainable Future

 

International Mountain Day 2013  Mountains - Key to a Sustainable Future   After consultations with some members, it has been agreed that "Mountains - Key to a Sustainable Future" will be the theme for IMD 2013. The focus will be on celebrating how mountains are crucial in moving the world towards sustainable economic growth in the context of poverty eradication, and on drawing attention to their generally sustainable and low-emission production models. We believe this theme will help in raising awareness on how new opportunities can bring benefits to highland and lowland communities without contributing to the degradation of mountain socio-ecosystems.   As you know, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 11 December as "International Mountain Day" since 2003. FAO is the U.N. Organization mandated to lead the observance of International Mountain Day each year. This is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands. In particular, within the follow-up to Rio +20 and the ongoing process on sustainable development goals, we would like to continue underlining how the goods and services deriving from mountain regions are essential for sustainable development.   In the coming months, we will be preparing communication materials in all the 6 UN languages which will be posted on our website and distributed.   Best regards,   Thomas Hofer   Interim Coordinator, Mountain Partnership Secretariat