• December 11, "International Mountain Day", was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003. The General Assembly "encouraged the international community to organize events at all levels on that day to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development."

    • International Mountain Day is "observed every year with a different theme relevant to sustainable mountain development. FAO is the U.N. organization mandated to lead observance of International Mountain Day.

    • This year the theme for International Mountain day is 'Mountain Biodiversity.

    • India is proud of the majestic Himalayas, it’s fascinating landscapes, snow capped peaks and unique mountain biodiversity and have attracted climbers from around the world for years.

    • Mountain ecosystem plays an important role in shaping the sustainable development strategy of a country. Hence the day is to celebrate the rich mountain biodiversity, as well as address the threats mountains face.

    • Climate change and global warming, bad farming practices, logging, commercial mining and poaching are taking a heavy toll on mountain biodiversity. Plastic pollution is also threatening the fragile environment.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)