Fourth Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership started in Erzurum

The Fourth Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership starts today, September 17, in the city of Erzurum (Turkey), where there are around 35 representatives of the countries of the world and more than 100 members, included CONDESAN.

Thomas Hofer, in the welcome session, Acting Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Mountain Partnership (MP for its acronym in English), said that the MP now consists of 212 members from governmental, intergovernmental and civil society. This makes a rich platform to reach compromises, alliances and establish relationships between them.

Today, FAO currently hosts the Secretariat of the MP. In the words of Eduardo Rojas- Briales, Assistant General Director of FAO Forests, stressed that we must focus on the mountains not only for the ecosystem services they provide but for the political actions that can be carried out.

In a presentation entitled "Why mountains are important to ecosystems?", Mr. Bruno Messerli, Professor of University of Bern, drew attention to the effects of climate change on mountains mentioning that is a reality that the temperature are going to rise and this is related to population growth, the increased use of water resources and consumption system in which we live. He said "In 2050 it is likely that the temperature can be plus 2 degrees", later adding that "in 2030 are forecast international conflicts by lack of water, energy and food". It's time to become aware of it , working to protect the mountains. His presentation was a review of the global changes that have occurred from 1870 to 2100. He finished indicating that the most important is the existence of a comprehensive strategy based sustainable quality information.

Sam Kanyamibwa, of the Society for the Preservation of the Albertine Rift (ARCOS), made ​​a presentation focusing on the reconciliation of conservation, development and benefits of the community to promote the development of mountain areas. The Mountains provide ecosystem services that over time have been being reduced. The link between the mountains and the lowlands is given and as what happens in the highlands to the lowlands affects. We must be clear in national strategies for environmental valuation and where the mountains are not affected by increased economies. "If we really care about mountains, people and sustainable development, we should think how we can harmonize many aspects: economic development, inequality, inefficient services, transparency of information, among others". He ended by stating that "in the future we want to see some mountains where communities have more power, where the services are better, where in the future the goods that are providing communities can be used efficiently."

To CONDESAN this meeting represents an opportunity to strengthen collaborative work with other organizations in the Andean region and other parts of the world.