Forests throughout the warmer mountain areas have been a major safety valve so far, but these are also coming under relentless pressure from both mountain dwellers and lowlanders. The need for sustainable solutions is urgent. Efforts are needed at different levels and with the growing partnership at different levels, important breakthroughs are being made in different areas. Most of these success stories are being produced by the mountain people themselves with a little bit of help from outside. The future of the mountains lies in ensuring that the maximum numbers of people are supported to help themselves.
Development means change and change for the better.
It encompasses environmental, economic, social, cultural, and political concerns. It is people centred, and the mechanisms by which this is achieved are those that make the development process more participatory, more decentralised, and more accountable to the people. Countries share common watersheds, flora, fauna, and cultural resources. Brief overview of the geography, government structure, economy, population, defense system, and infrastructure, prepared annually by the Central Intelligence Agency. Includes a map and a reproduction of the flag.