Mountains cover a quarter of the land surface and are home to 12% of the world’s population. Mountain ecosystems are unique, diverse and very rich. Half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are concentrated in mountain areas, and many threatened and endangered plant and animal species live there. No matter how far away they are, mountains play an important role in everyone’s lives. Many cultivated plants and domestic animals originate from mountain areas. Glaciers and snow caps are the source of 60-80% of the planet’s freshwater. Mountains contribute to shaping the climate by altering air currents. Yet despite their unshakable peaks, mountains are some of the most fragile and vulnerable ecosystems.
The climate in the mountains can vary dramatically depending on the season or region. From hot deserts to snow-covered forests, a wide variety of habitats can be found in the mountains. Depending on altitude, several completely unique ecosystems can be found within a single mountain system, which is what makes mountains such valuable reservoirs of biodiversity. Over the past 50 years the number of protected areas has multiplied by 6-8 times and two-thirds of all biosphere reserves are designated in mountains. Most of them are home to indigenous peoples whose traditional livelihoods are of great importance for nature conservation.
International Mountain Day is celebrated every year on 11th of December. The holiday was established in 2003 by the 57th UN General Assembly to bring mountains to the world’s attention. International Mountain Day, as the name suggests, is an international holiday and is important for every state.
The purpose of this day is not to congratulate all those involved, but to preserve the natural wealth of the world, support the indigenous people of mountainous regions, and raise people’s awareness of the problems and importance of mountain ranges. Most of the festive events are held in the UN member states.
We must protect our nature. Friends, take care of nature, love nature!
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Bagul JUMAYEVA,
1st year student of the Faculty of International Journalism
of the Institute of International Relations of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
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