The UN General Assembly has declared December 11 International Mountain Day, to highlight the life-giving potential of the mountains and spread awareness of their rich biodiversity and the need to conserve it. Mountains account for 60-80% of the world’s fresh water supply, and are home to countless species of flora and fauna. Life in the mountains is difficult; even walking and basic jobs such as cooking and farming require immense physical effort and stamina. This, probably, was the thought behind this year’s Mountain Day theme — “Restoring mountain ecosystems”. The mountains stand as silent sentinels, protecting us against many hostile elements — both human and natural.

Source: The Hindu December 17, 2023 01:55 UTC