About half of the world's population depends on mountains for fresh water, clean energy, irrigation water, flood control, minerals, timber and non-timber forest products, recreation, and genetic resources. Mountains are home to more than a billion people, a substantial proportion of whom are indigenous ethnic communities whose livelihood largely depend on natural resources available in mountain areas. Mountains are a storehouse of biological diversity and endangered species. 

One of the highlights is the multimedia presentation of the Austrian mountaineer Theo Fritsche. Fritsche will show the impressions of his ascent of the highest peaks of the world's seven continents (seven summits). He will not only show the beauty and fragility of mountains  as such, but also sensitively highlight the situation of  local mountain communities, their customs and cultures.

Among the questions and topics discussed will be "why mountains matter", the need for sustainable mountain development and experiences from the Alps including the Project "Mountain Villages" and the video "SuperAlp!5 - Discovering melting Alps". Speakers include Amb. Brigitte Öppinger-Walchshofer (Managing Director, Austrian Development Agency), Marco Onida, (Secretary General, Alpine Convention), and Ewald Galle (Austrian Focal Point for the Alpine Convention, Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management). Opening remarks will be delivered by Harald Egerer, Head of UNEP Vienna Office - ISCC.

The organization of the event has been facilitated by UNEP Vienna - ISCC in collaboration with the Austrian Development Agency, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management and the Permanent Secretariat of the Alpine Convention. It marks the Austrian contribution to the International Mountain Day.

Please find further information in the event flyer.