International Mountain Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
International Mountain Day spreads awareness about the importance of mountains.

Where is International Mountain Day celebrated?

Over half the world's population depends on mountains for essential resources like water, food, and energy. So the whole world comes together to celebrate International Mountain Day.

Who is International Mountain Day celebrated by?

International Mountain Day is celebrated by environmental organizations, wildlife conservation groups, nature and climate activists, and environmentally conscious people.

When did International Mountain Day first start?

International Mountain Day first began in 2003.

Who started International Mountain Day?

International Mountain Day was an initiative taken by the United Nations.

History And Timeline

Mountains and their populations are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to rising temperatures. International Mountain Day was founded to raise awareness of the importance of mountain protection and conservation. Before you celebrate International Mountain Day, have a look at its history and origins.

Mountain Day In The US

The first Mountain Day was declared in the United States. This was established by students of Mount Holyoke College who climbed the mountain.

1838

Managing Fragile Ecosystems

Mountains were chosen as one of the sustainable development concerns in Agenda 21 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development was the topic of Chapter 13.

1992

International Year Of Mountains

The United Nations declares 2002 as the International Year of Mountains. The objective was to promote the well-being of mountain communities through conservation and sustainable development.

2002

International Mountain Day

The United Nations declares and celebrates the first International Mountain Day.

2003

Japan's Mountain Day

In Japan, Mountain Day is celebrated on August 11 as a national holiday.

2014

Traditions And Customs

The United Nations designates a theme for every International Mountain Day. This theme highlights a core issue linked with the conservation of mountains and their inhabitants.

Ways To Celebrate International Mountain Day

You can join any formal events commemorating the day by following the United Nations. You can go for a hike, climb, or camp in the mountains as an enjoyable pastime.

Get a mountain bike and ride one of the natural trails if you enjoy adventure sports. It is critical to raise awareness about such fragile settings' value and support sustainable development. Start an online campaign to protect mountain environments and their biodiversity.

Facts And Stats

  • There are three Mountain Day's celebrated in the world, one by the US, Japan, and the UN.
  • Every year a theme is designated for International Mountain Day celebrations. In 2021, the Mountain Day theme was sustainable mountain tourism.
  • Mountains are home to many endangered species like the snow leopard, eastern gorilla, and giant panda. So on this International Mountain Day, celebrate by going to a mountain with your loved ones and enjoying the view.

Why is International Mountain Day celebrated?

International Mountain Day is celebrated to raise awareness about this vulnerable biodiversity hotspot.

Why does Japan celebrate Mountain Day?

Mountain Day is a national holiday in Japan that honors the region's natural undulating and mountainous landscape. This holiday is observed every year on August 11. This holiday is commemorated in Japan by hiking and climbing trips to Mount Fuji and other neighboring mountains.

What is the significance of International Mountain Day?

International Mountain Day celebrates mountains and their role in sustaining humanity.

What is special about International Mountain Day?

International Mountain Day brings to light the importance of mountains as biodiversity hotspots. It also spreads awareness about mountain communities and the threats this ecosystem faces due to climate change, unsustainable tourism, and overexploitation.

What is the history & origin of International Mountain Day?

International Mountain Day dates back to 1992 when the Conference on Environment and Development endorsed Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development as part of Agenda 21. The United Nations declared the International Year of Mountains in 2002. Finally, in 2003, the first International Mountain Day was observed.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, December 11, 2020
  • Saturday, December 11, 2021
  • Sunday, December 11, 2022
  • Monday, December 11, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi Raturi picture

Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

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