International Mountain Day is celebrated every year on December 11.
Mountain systems cover 64% of Asia, 36% of North America, 25% of Europe, 22% of South America, 17% of Australia and 3% of Africa. Overall, 24% of the earth surface is made up of mountains. Therefore, it is important to protect and preserve them.
International Mountain Day was proclaimed by UN General Assembly Resolution in 2003. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated annually on December 11. The General Assembly resolution invited the world community to ‘organise events on this day at all levels to explain the importance of sustainable development of mountain regions’.

This International Mountain Day 2024 (IMD 2024) focuses precisely on the capacity and needs of people through a triple approach: “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth.”

Innovation is essential for addressing complex mountain-related issues. It encompasses technological advancements as well as creative problem-solving such as climate-smart agriculture.

While dealing with climate change’s pressures on mountains, adaptation becomes imperative for building resilience and reducing vulnerability. Adaptation strategies include solutions such as ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Lastly, the active participation of youth is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mountain solutions. IMD 2024 promotes decent work and quality employment for young persons, accessible training, and entrepreneurship opportunities that contribute to the sustainable use of mountain resources.

Mountains are natural jewels we should treasure. They are home to 15% of the world´s population and host about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots. They provide freshwater for everyday life to half of humanity, helping to sustain agriculture and supply clean energy and medicines.

Unfortunately, mountains are under threat from climate change, overexploitation and contamination, increasing the risk s for the people and the planet.

As the global climate continues to warm, mountain glaciers melt affecting freshwater supplies downstream, and mountain people – some of the world’s poorest – face even greater struggles to survive.

Steep slopes mean the clearing of forest for farming, settlements or infrastructure can cause soil erosion as well as the loss of habitat. Erosion and pollution harm the quality of water flowing downstream and the productivity of soil. In fact, over 311 million rural mountain people in developing countries live in areas exposed to progressive land degradation, 178 million of whom are considered vulnerable to food insecurity.

Mountain peaks – just two simple words, but how many images are behind them. Mountains are different for everyone. For some of us, they are snowy peaks glistening in the sun. Others – imagine boundless mountain valleys and emerald peaks mesmerising with their beauty. For other people, mountains are headlong rocks, dangerous and alluring.

Today on the International Mountain Day, we suggest you listen to "Mountain Waltz" written by Tony Murena and André Verchuren in 1953. The waltz was digitised from a gramophone record by the Belgian label FESTIVAL Victory in the 1950s. The record is stored in the Music Media section of the museum repository.