This has been recognised in many recent actions and initiatives, including those relating to the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests. Changing expectations regarding the roles of mountain forests among populations around the world, in an increasingly urbanised global society. Rapid rates of change, both perceived and measured, in the cover and uses of forests and adjacent ecosystems in mountains around the world.
Mountain forests provide society with a great diversity of products and services.
The demands of society mean that forestry in general, and mountain forestry in particular, is having to pay increasing attention to the less-easily valued products and services. However, in developing countries, demands for the products higher in the list remain strong and are often increasing. Negative impacts of tourism, and also air pollution, are regionally significant. Especially in arid and semi-arid regions, serious erosion and desertification, exacerbated by human activities. Some successes in reforestation, especially through community-based projects.