Role of mountains in building climate resilience
Mountains, with their rich biological and cultural diversity, play a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions of people. In 2010, almost 10 per cent of the global population – around 671 million people – lived in high mountain regions, a number expected to reach 736–844 million by 2050 (IPCC, 2022. Available at https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/). With climate change having a significant impact on these regions, access to context-specific knowledge is essential for mountainous countries to implement effective adaptation action.
As critical sources of fresh water for over half of the world's population and key biodiversity hotspots, preserving mountain landscapes and their ecological services is vital for climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and the overall health of the planet.
Closing knowledge gaps through partnership with the NWP expert group on mountains
The work in the thematic area of mountains is continuing in 2024, that will include establishing an NWP expert group on mountains, with the group to focus on action, including within shared ecosystems, in mountainous regions; and identifying relevant linkages with and inputs to the work of constituted bodies and institutional arrangements under the UNFCCC.
The knowledge-to action methodology
The NWP uses a knowledge-to-action methodology (see figure below) that guides knowledge co-development through partnerships. This collaborative approach responds to the adaptation needs of Parties, with an emphasis on developing countries, and supports the formulation of national adaptation plans and relevant mandates of UNFCCC constituted bodies. The approach has been refined over the years incorporating lessons learned.
progress
| 1) Scoping |
- The 16th NWP Focal Point Forum mountains,high-latitude areas and the cryosphere was held at COP 28. The secretariat engaged with institutions and experts from mountainous regions in order to (1) understand how climate change affects ecosystems, as well as the lives and livelihoods of people and communities, (2) learn about the adaptation practices applied and the challenges faced and (3) explore ways to address adaptation knowledge gaps in order to reduce vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacity and resilience. The Forum brought together experts and representatives of countries and of global, regional and local institutions relevant to mountainous regions such as the Andes, the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalayas. At the event, the need to promote cases of successful adaptation and transboundary cooperation in mountainous regions was emphasized by participants. Participants also highlighted the importance of developing tailored solutions for these regions, including adjusting global impact indicators to national and local contexts and strengthening national, regional and international policy frameworks, including NAP frameworks.
- In an effort to understand the needs and priorities of countries in mountainous regions, the secretariat reviewed NAPs, national communications and nationally determined contributions of countries located in or sharing ecosystems in the Alps, the Andes, the Carpathians, Central Asia, East Africa, the Hindu Kush Himalayas, the Pyrenees, the South Caucasus and the Western Balkans, among others. Each region has unique ecological characteristics, and the key issues that emerged reflect the diverse challenges, needs and good practices of the countries included in the review.
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Successful ornization of the 16th Focal Point Forum, see here
See newsroom article on the outcomes here
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