Rio 1992 – institutionalising global mountain development and research
Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 on ‘Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development articulated specific programme actions under two headings: generating and strengthening knowledge about the ecology and sustainable development of mountain ecosystems, and promoting integrated watershed development and alternative livelihood opportunities. In the wake of the adoption of this Chapter at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio in 1992, many initiatives relating to mountain development took place at local, regional, national and global levels. For instance, many countries established focal points for sustainable mountain development (SMD); others prepared regulatory frameworks in support of mountain areas, and together with international bodies and institutions developed transboundary initiatives linked to key functions of mountain regions such as biodiversity or water.
Mountains have also been considered in decisions and actions deriving from the two global conventions signed at Rio on climate change and biodiversity. In 2004, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a Programme of Work on mountain biodiversity which was reviewed in 2010. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session UNGASS identified FAO as the Task Manager of Chapter 13 to facilitate efforts in SMD at the global level, and FAO subsequently prepared a five-year review of implementation and has reported a number of times to the UN General Assembly. At the same time, following the 1992 Earth Summit, regional and global consultations were held with the participation of eminent mountain experts, non-government organisations (NGOs), universities, governments, multilateral agencies, and the private sector which led to the establishment of the Mountain Forum in1995 for networking and exchange of information and advocacy. The aim of the Mountain Forum is to provide a PLATFORM for the exchange of ideas, information and experiences by harnessing information and communication technologies (ICT) to advocate for mountain peoples and environments fostering networking and mutual support among mountain people. Following the formation of the Mountain Partnership Consortium the MF platform activities are being gradually integrated into the overall MPC objectives. Also as a follow up of the recommendation of the Sustainable Development of Mountain Areas of Asia (SUDEMAA) Conference of 1994 – which was Asia’s regional response to Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 – the Asia Pacific Mountain Network (APMN) was established by ICIMOD in 1995 as a knowledge sharing platform connecting individuals and organisations interested in sustainable mountain development (SMD) issues of the region.
Following the WSSD 2002 in Johannesburg, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat was established at FAO. The Mountain Partnership is a voluntary alliance of partners dedicated to improving the lives of mountain people and protecting mountain environments around the world. Launched at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002, the Mountain Partnership taps the wealth and diversity of resources, information, knowledge, and expertise of its members to support positive change in mountain areas. Presently, 50 countries, 16 intergovernmental organizations and 112 major groups (e.g. civil society, NGOs and the private sector) are members. The Mountain Partnership is a mechanism for networking, communication and information-sharing and functions as a clearing house for members. It complements supports and strengthens on-going initiatives in sustainable mountain development. The Mountain Partnership also functions as a broker for joint initiatives; facilitating contact between countries and institutions in view of joint activities and creating conditions for cooperation and resource mobilization at the national, regional and global level. The dynamic core of the Mountain Partnership is action and initiatives on the ground. For more information, pls. visit http://www.mountainpartnership.org/
Rio+20 – an opportunity for promoting sustainable mountain development
On 24 December 2009 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to hold a 'Rio+20' Earth Summit or United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) in June 2012 in Rio. This event presents an excellent opportunity for taking stock on achievements, experience, and lessons learnt in sustainable mountain development over the last 20 years. It also provides an excellent opportunity for identifying shortcomings relating to the engagement so far and above all, for incorporating new challenges and identifying new needs and opportunities, for example, related to globalisation and global change in all its forms, including in particular climate change.
The main objective of the Rio+20 Conference is to secure renewed global commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress and gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summit commitments on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges.
