Mountain biodiversity is a key theme of the Convention on Biological Diversity


Mountain Biological Diversity is considered as one of the major themes of the Convention of Biological Diversity:
- Mountain areas cover almost one quarter of the Earth's land surface and host about 12% of its human inhabitants. Additionally, mountains provide vital natural resources for lowland peoples.
- Mountain biological diversity is of high importance for a number of ecological functions. The integrity of soils is the prime focus for ecosystem services and human needs. Soil retention and slope stability are closely connected with the extent of above-ground and below-ground vegetation, both essential to ecosystem resilience after disturbance.
- Mountain ecosystems support particular livelihoods, and include significant watershed resources, biological diversity and unique flora and fauna. Many are particularly fragile and vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and need specific protection.
The Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA) with head office in Switzerland is a major scientific partner of the Convention on Biological Diversity for the theme «Mountain Biodiversity» of the forthcoming Conference of the Parties (COP 7) in 2004.
Source: GMBA e-News
Proposed programme of work on Mountain Biodiversity:

---

> PDF

---

---

< back