International Mountain Day has been celebrated on December 11 since 2003. In 2002, at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan, the International Year of Mountains was declared, within the framework of which the Global Mountain Summit was held in Bishkek in October, where the Bishkek Mountain Platform was adopted. Later, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution declaring December 11 as International Mountain Day.
Following the initiative of President Sadyr Zhaparov, the UN declared 2022 the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development. The corresponding resolution was adopted on December 16, 2021, at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.
International Mountain Day reminds us of the importance and uniqueness of mountain ecosystems, as well as the risks they face due to climate change and environmental degradation. It calls for attention to the ecological, social, and cultural significance of mountains.
Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country: more than 93% of the country's territory is covered by mountains. They are a source of natural resources, water, biodiversity, and shape living conditions. Glaciers are a key resource, supporting energy, tourism, and agriculture. The quality of life and food security of the population are directly linked to the health of mountain ecosystems.
Anara Sultangazieva, chair of the Green Energy public foundation and ecologist, told the Kabar News Agency that Kyrgyzstan is actively working to protect mountain ecosystems.
"The international conference 'Global Dialogue on Sustainable Mountain Development: Towards the Bishkek+25 Summit' was held in April of this year. Its results will be reviewed next year. A resolution, 'Sustainable Mountain Development,' was also adopted, declaring 2023–2027 a five-year period for action to develop mountain regions," she noted.
The ecologist emphasized that climate change directly impacts mountains, which absorb approximately 60% of carbon dioxide, stabilizing the climate. However, rising temperatures are leading to accelerated glacier melting. Over the past 50 years, Kyrgyzstan has lost 30-40% of its glaciers. This threatens water shortages, reduced energy production, and crop yields.
"We proposed creating a glacier conservation fund and opening the first National Glacier Park in Central Asia. The President supported the initiative, and we look forward to its implementation," said Sultangazieva.
According to her, climate change reinforces Kyrgyzstan's global and national responsibility, as mountain ecosystems provide humanity with water, air, and biodiversity. Combating climate change requires local measures (forest expansion, energy conservation) and international cooperation. By presidential decree, the national "Green Heritage" campaign is being implemented.
"As an ecologist, I am proud that Kyrgyzstan is one of the few countries actively raising the issue of mountains at the global level. It was Kyrgyzstan that proposed the UN resolution on sustainable mountain development (2002), which led to the establishment of the International Year of Mountains and the annual International Mountain Day. In 2022, the International Mountain Development Center opened in Bishkek. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan proposed declaring 2025 the International Year of Glacier Conservation, which received the support of the international community," Sultangazieva emphasized.
Furthermore, the country has developed a Green Economy Concept, a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and a green taxonomy. The goal is to increase the share of clean energy and reduce the carbon footprint by 2050. The "Green Kyrgyzstan" program covers afforestation, land protection from erosion, and ecotourism development. Kyrgyzstan consistently advocates for the interests of mountain countries at the UN, COP, and in regional organizations.
Ecologist Mirlan Dyldaev noted that preserving mountain ecosystems is a strategic task, and Kyrgyzstan cannot accomplish this alone:
"The President, at international forums, calls on world leaders to take joint action to protect the mountains. The government is taking concrete steps—developing green energy, building hydroelectric power plants, solar and wind farms, and implementing adaptation measures in agriculture and industry."
He added that every citizen can contribute to climate protection, starting with respect for nature:
"It is important to properly dispose of waste, use less plastic, and conserve water and energy. Mountains, glaciers, and rivers are our national treasure, and we are obliged to preserve them," Mirlan Dyldaev emphasized.