On the 11th December, it's time to celebrate International Mountains Day 2019. This year, the theme is 'Mountains Matter for Youth' which is working on encouraging the younger generations to take the lead and request that mountains and their people become central in the national and international development agendas, receive more attention, investments and tailored research.
International Mountain Day is a chance to highlight that for rural youth, living in the mountains can be hard. Many young people leave in search of a better life and employment. Migration from mountains leads to abandoned agriculture, land degradation and a loss of cultural values and ancient traditions. Education and training, market access, diverse employment opportunities and good public services can ensure a brighter future for young people in the mountains.
What can you do to celebrate?
- Raise awareness of mountains on 11th December by organizing youth forums, hands-on activities, presentations, student debates, photo and art competitions, hikes and events targeted to specific age groups.
- Write to the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations about the International Mountain Day event you are planning at info-IMD@fao.org so they can publish it on the International Mountain Day website.
- Join the conversation on social media using the #MountainsMatter hashtag. Share your stories about the reality of living in the mountains as a young person, or post a photo of your favourite mountain moment and share it with us and your friends.
- Treat yourself to a WeThree Store Print from Series 6!
Series 6
Our Series 6 showcases the spectacular views from Australia's famous 'Blue Mountains' in New South Wales. The series is the perfect way to bring the wonders of the outdoors into your home, as well as opening your mind to the conservation of the world's mountains.
