Standing tall and majestic, with the sky as the backdrop, mountains are one of nature’s most beautiful gifts to humankind. Their size can throw shadows across the countryside, defend against the ravages of storms and have an abundance of resources. Mountains have a unique agriculture — coffee, tea, spices, herbs, and more. As also their flora and fauna.
Mountains cover 27% of Earth’s land surface and are important in maintaining and increasing economic growth. They provide sustenance and well being to all inhabitants of this earth, either directly or indirectly. They provide us with freshwater, energy, food, biodiversity, and medicinal products.
December 11 is International Mountain Day and it gives us the opportunity to appreciate this distinctive land form.
The United Nations General Assembly created this day to promote awareness about mountains and the important role they play in our lives.
Celebrate the mountain by planning a trek. While you are there, try to do your bit by cleaning up the mountainsides. Picnickers and travellers tend to leave behind a trail of litter which is harmful to the mountains and the animals and birds that make their home there.
Create awareness about the need to keep the mountains pristine and pure.
