The IMD is an opportunity to create awareness about various services provided by the mountains, to highlight the opportunities offered by mountains as well as challenges faced by mountain ecosystems and communities, and to call for action towards sustainable mountain development.

The theme for IMD 2019 is “Mountains matter for youth”, and this offers a great opportunity to recognize the role played by the youth population in mountain regions, particularly in Africa where youth counts for nearly 25% of the population if one includes all people aged below 35. Moreover, this figure is forecasted to increase to 42% by 2030 and is expected to continue to grow throughout the remainder of the 21st century, more than doubling from current levels by 2055. This year theme is therefore of particular relevance to Africa.

The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) has already receiving some exciting information on what is being done and/or planned by members in Africa. Kindly share your planned activities (a small summary of one page maximum including photographs and/or videos) directly with ARCOS. All stories from Africa will be compiled in a regional document on the “Africa IMD 2019 Celebrations”.

Kindly note that the Mountain Partnership is asking members and friends to help preserve cultural traditions, promote agro-biodiversity and support farmers in mountains by sending your best mountain recipes in this recipe and photo contest (view the link for the IMD 2019 contest video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPjpjxexVi4&feature=youtu.be).

*This information is shared by the African Forest Forum (AFF) on behalf of The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS)