Why invest in sustainable mountain development?
Mountains are greatly affected by destructive natural processes. Shifting tectonic plates cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, while heavy rains and snow on steep slopes produce avalanches, landslides, debris and mud flows and floods. When combined with human interventions, particularly the construction of infrastructure and settlements in hazardous areas, such events turn into disasters causing damage, destruction, injury and death. Over the generations, mountain people have learned how to live with the threat of natural hazards and have developed well-adapted and risk-resilient land-use systems. However, there is growing evidence that many mountain regions have become increasingly disaster-prone over the past few decades.
Disaster risk management (DRM) in mountains requires particular attention. There is need for a risk culture that identifies the prevailing risks and the necessary protection, and for precautionary measures that ensure timely warnings and the efficient delivery of relief assistance.
Investing in sustainable mountain development is a global priority for addressing the current challenges. It reaches far beyond monetary terms to embrace increased attention to and support in all aspects of mountain ecology and society
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