Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid has urged to increase commitment, engagement, and investments in mountain development.
He made this remark in a message in the Opening Ceremony to celebrate the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development.
PGA Shahid went on to note that marking 2022 as the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development acknowledges the increasing challenges and restrictions faced by mountain regions, especially of developing countries.
Describing mountains as the “most striking” features the globe has to offer, PGA Shahid stated that they are sources of most rivers and act as “cradles”, “barriers” and “bridges” for species, and are “crucial” for the survival and sustainability of “many” communities, alongside playing a major role in determining global and regional climates.
Home to almost 15 percent of the population across the globe, mountains constitute approximately 27 percent of the planet’s land area and prove to be a vital source of freshwater for almost two billion people worldwide, said Shahid, who noted that mountains are also considered a major source of energy, biological diversity, mineral wealth, and agricultural productivity.
He went on to note that mountains are home to a wide range of fauna and flora and provide important ecosystem supportive services to billions of downstream communities, alongside being “intricately” connected with people and communities which has proven to be an inspiration of culture, and traditions.
Their recognition and protection are imperative for the sustainability of natural resources, ecosystems, the improvement of human well-being, and the sustainability of communities and their cultures. While we acknowledge the beauty and benefits of mountains, we must also contend with the challenges and harm that we are inflicting.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
Stressing that global mountain areas are currently experiencing environmental degradation due to the adverse effects climate change, PGA Shahid noted that the science is “very clear” and that climate change is affecting major mountain ranges.
With this being said, the Maldivian Foreign Minister added that it is estimated that one third of Himalayan glaciers will disappear by the year 2100, with increasing temperatures having already led to more landslides, loss of glacier mass, and loss of agriculture.
In the mountainous regions of the world, snowpack serves as frozen reservoirs. Warmer temperatures are causing these snowpacks to melt, reducing their availability for food and production uses. The pandemic and the associated restrictions accelerated these challenges by cutting-off sources of livelihoods for mountain communities. Its pertinent to note that mountain tourism attracts 15-20 percent of global tourism.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
With this being said, PGA Shahid asserted that the current scenario must be reversed before it is too late as mountains matter for “everyone” whether they live on high or low ground.
Shedding light on the importance of raising awareness of public and private sectors, and all relevant stakeholders, the PGA joined the call to increase their commitment, engagement, and investments in mountain development.
As such, Shahid urged to build on the momentum and energy of this year of ‘Sustainable Mountain Development’ to jointly promote global commitments towards the protection of these “vulnerable” ecosystems and to build the resilience of those who call mountains home.
He also urged the world to be inspired by this international year to change, to work together to save the global mountains, environments, communities and the planet.
