2002: International Year of Mountains

 "As a native of Wyoming and the Rockies, mountains hold a special place in my heart. Consequently, I am excited about the special opportunity provided to the U.S. by The International Year of Mountains to celebrate the diversity of the world's many mountain ecosystems. Mountains present unique challenges in sustainable development.

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs staff can have a positive impact on mountain biodiversity through its work in international fora such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, the Convention to Combat Desertification, the UN Forum on Forests, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Conservation Union.

Many international events are commemorating the International Year of Mountains 2002. You can find out more about them by visiting the mountain sites linked to this page."

John F. Turner
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Overview

The United Nations has designated 2002 as the International Year of Mountains(IYM) to raise awareness of the importance of mountains to the world and the necessity of preserving their fragile resources through sustainable development. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the lead international agency for the commemoration of the year. The Inter-Agency Group on Mountains, a mix of UN agencies, bilateral donors, NGOs and research institutions, provides conceptual guidance and advice. All countries have been encouraged to establish IYM committees and support national and local events which focus attention on policy and programs related to sustainable mountain development.

The United States supports the International Year of Mountains and recognizes the importance of conserving mountain resources in order to protect the environment and enable sustainable development. In this country, special events have been planned by many government and private organizations. Topics range from focus on mountain women, to music and dance, resort development, and mountain protected areas.

Mountains are one of several sustainable development issues addressed in Agenda 21 adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development held in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. Chapter 13 of that document is entitled "Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development."