As a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem. Mountains are islands of biodiversity in seas of humanly-transformed landscapes. Forest products, minerals, and hydroelectric power are harvested from mountain ecosystems. Unique and diverse cultures inhabit mountain ecosystems. Mountains have profound spiritual, religious, and sacred significance for many cultures.
Mountains provide tourism opportunities for increasingly crowded cities.
Mountain Communities Are Among the World's Poorest and Most Marginalized Poverty levels are exceptionally high in remote mountain communities. Access to education, decision-making powers, financial resources and tenure rights is severely limited. Traditional cultures are becoming assimilated into mainstream cultures as in and outmigration trends accelerate. External economic and political pressures often require that mountain communities exploit their resource base for survival. Diversified traditional economies have access to market opportunities only on unfavorable terms of trade.