International Petition on Mountain Ecosystems and Peoples affected by climate change

Mountains Partnership launched the International Petition on Mountain Ecosystems and Peoples affected by climate change to ask the European delegates to Cop21 Paris to place among the topics of the event the major environmental challenges of the mountain, in order to limit the negative consequences of the climate change on the Highlands.

The petition asks to the Paris Conference to recognize the global importance of mountain areas as water suppliers, sources of cultural and biological diversity as well as places of great spiritual significance, and of recreational, touristic and historical importance.

The document also points out that in the mountain areas climate change involves alterations and sudden concern (sometimes faster than in other regions of the planet), particularly with regard to three aspects:

1. the lives of mountain people and the safety of local communities affected by the increase in natural disasters dictated.
2. the melting of glaciers and the reducing of snow cover in many parts of the world, threatening the supply of water, especially vital during the dry seasons, with devastating effects on food security and economic development.
3. the loss of biodiversity, as the mountain plants and animals are very sensitive and vulnerable to change in environmental conditions.

The petition asks therefore to encourage and support governments and stakeholders to adopt urgently appropriate measures – including the strengthening of mechanisms for cooperation and financing conditions – to improve the quality of life of mountain people and protect ecosystems.
In other words, it is required that the mountains are included in the negotiations on climate change and in policies for adaptation and mitigation.
The petition will be presented to COP21 delegates from the Italian delegation. In particular by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gentiloni, and Minister for the Environment, Land and Sea Gian Luca Galletti.

Click here to sign the petition