International Mountain Day 2023: Theme, History, Significance, Ways to Celebrate

International Mountain Day 2023 is on December 11th 2023. It is a day to promote the sustainable development of mountains around the world and to raise awareness of the importance of mountains to humanity.

This day also provides an opportunity to assess the progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goal target of “halving the number of people who live in poverty in mountain regions by 2030”.

Another aim of International Mountain Day is to remind us of the many benefits that mountains provide, such as fresh water, food, energy, Opportunity for recreation and tourism, and a home for many plant and animal species. So let’s celebrate this International Mountain Day by learning more about the importance of mountains and what we can do to protect them.

International Mountain Day 2023 Date

All over the world, people celebrate International Mountain Day on Monday, 11th December. The mountains are an important part of life and contribute to both the natural and the built environment.

They are a common feature of every culture and are considered to be a symbol of freedom. Let’s take a look at the overview of International Mountain Day 2023.

Name of the DayInternational Mountain Day
Date11th December 2023
DayMonday
Day Established byUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
AimTo promote sustainable development in Mountain Region

History of International Mountain Day

A lot of us might wonder where did International Mountain Day come from? Well, here’s a brief history of this day.

The idea for International Mountain Day was first proposed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit. The Earth Summit was a large international conference where world leaders gathered to discuss environmental protection and sustainable development.

At the summit, delegates from various countries suggested that an international day should be created to celebrate mountains.

It wasn’t until 2002 that the United Nations General Assembly formally recognized December 11th as International Mountain Day. Every year since then, various events and activities have been held around the world to mark the occasion.

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Significance of International Mountain Day (IMD)

IMD is one of the most significant days observed by the United Nations. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 to raise awareness of the importance of mountains and their sustainable development. This special day is also used to highlight the opportunities and challenges that mountains provide to people and the environment.

Mountains are essential for the well-being of people and the planet. They provide clean air, fresh water, food, energy, and other resources. They also provide a home to many species of plants and animals and are an important source of biodiversity. Mountains are also important for recreation, tourism, and spiritual and cultural values.

International Mountain Day serves to remind us of the need to protect mountains. It is a day to raise awareness of the threats to mountain ecosystems, such as climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable development.

It is also a day to celebrate the beauty and importance of mountains and to recognize the people who live in and around them. By celebrating International Mountain Day, we can ensure that mountains remain healthy and continue to provide the many benefits they offer.

Also Check about World Earth Day

Ways to Celebrate 

Here are a few ideas for how you could celebrate International Mountain day.

  • Participate in a local event or activity that celebrates mountains. This could include a hike, a nature walk, or a mountain-themed art project.
  • Take part in a virtual event, such as a webinar or online discussion about the importance of mountains.
  • Support conservation efforts by donating to a local or international organization that works to protect mountain ecosystems.
  • You can spread awareness by sharing facts and stories about mountains on social media or by writing a blog post.

International Mountain Day 2023 Theme

The theme of International Mountain Day 2023 is “Restoring Mountain Ecosystems”. This theme was chosen to fully include mountains in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030. This UN decade is co-led by the UN Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

To significantly accelerate restoration and stop further degradation of mountain ecosystems, this Decade presents an opportunity to gather political support, scientific research, and financial resources.

Even though the United Nations has suggested “Restoring mountain ecosystems” as the theme for 2023, nations, communities, and organizations are welcome to celebrate IMD with a theme that is more relevant to them.

#MountainsMatter hashtag

The #MountainsMatter hashtag was created by the United Nations to bring awareness to the destruction of the mountains. This hashtag has also been used in conjunction with the #Greenpeace hashtag to show their joint efforts to protect the environment. The #MountainsMatter hashtag has been used in news articles, during protests, and even in advertisements for companies.

If you also have something to share about Mountain protection then you can also post using this hashtag.

Interesting Facts about Mountains

Mountains are some of the most awe-inspiring and majestic features of the natural world. They can be found on every continent, and in some cases, they are the highest point in the entire country. Some interesting facts about mountains are as follows.

  • The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, which stands at a staggering 8,848 meters above sea level.
  • The longest mountain range in the world is the Andes, which stretches over 7,000 kilometers across South America.
  • Mountains can also have a significant impact on the environment and weather, as they can act as a barrier to winds and storms, as well as create their own microclimates.
  • Mountains are home to a variety of unique species and plants that can only be found in high-altitude environments.
  • The deepest mountain range is the Marianas Trench.
  • The highest mountain in the United States is Mount McKinley, located in Alaska.
  • Water coming from the mountains is the source of hydro-power electricity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question – 1: When was the first International Mountain Day celebrated?

Answer: On 11th December 2003.

Question – 2: When is Mountain Day celebrated in Japan?

Answer: Every year on 11th August.

Question – 3: Who established International Mountain Day?

Answer: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Question – 4: What are the best movies to watch on mountain preservation?

Answer: Sherpa, Everest, The Climb, Beyond the Edge, etc. are some good movies to watch if you are a mountain enthusiast.    

I have tried to provide accurate information in this article. Still, if you think any detail in this article is not correct then please share it in the comment section. I will fix it at the earliest upon verification.

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