International Mountain Day

What Is International Mountain Day?

December 11 is "International Mountain Day," designated by the UN General Assembly and observed since 2003. Its goals are to promote the sustainable development of mountain ecosystems, improve the livelihoods of people living in mountainous regions, and raise awareness of the value mountains provide. About 27% of the Earth's land is said to be mountainous, and according to the UN, nearly 2 billion people depend on water from mountains for their daily needs.

The Importance of Mountain Regions

• A source of water: Mountain regions are estimated to supply 60–80% of the world's freshwater resources
• Biodiversity: Mountain regions host unique ecosystems and many endemic species, making them rich in biodiversity
• Culture and religion: Mountains such as Mount Fuji, the Himalayas, and the Alps hold sacred significance for many peoples and religions
• Climate regulation: Snow and ice reflect solar heat, playing a role in regulating the global climate

Japan's Mountains and Mountaineering Culture

• Mount Fuji: Japan's highest peak (3,776 m), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with around 200,000 climbers during the summer climbing season in recent years
• The Northern and Southern Japanese Alps: Home to a chain of peaks over 3,000 meters, a popular area for mountaineering and trekking
• The "100 Famous Mountains" boom: Climbing all 100 peaks featured in Kyuya Fukada's book "Nihon Hyakumeizan" (One Hundred Mountains of Japan) is especially popular among middle-aged and older climbers

Climate Change and Mountain Regions

Global warming is causing glaciers around the world to shrink rapidly; according to the UN, some 600 glaciers have already disappeared. This raises concerns about the impact on water resources and ecosystems. International Mountain Day is also a day to think about protecting mountain environments.