International Mountain Day

Celebrated every year on December 11, International Mountain Day is a chance for us to increase our knowledge of the importance of mountains in our ecosystem. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and has been celebrated all over the world ever since.

Mountains play a vital role in our lives. They cover nearly 27% of the Earth’s land surface. They are home to almost half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots (regions which have a huge population of different animals, especially those that are decreasing in number). Mountains also host many different types of plants which are important for the ecosystem. They also help to maintain the climate. 

The reason why mountains have to be protected is because they are suffering because of the effects of climate change, and deforestation due to human needs. This has been causing soil erosion and harm to the plants, animals and people living in the mountain areas.   

This year’s theme for International Mountain Day is Restoring Mountain Ecosystems. On this day, let’s read more about mountains and understand their importance in our lives.