Agenda 21/Chapter 13 and its implementation

In June 1992, the Earth Summit (UNCED) was held in Rio de Janeiro. Its most important output was Agenda 21, which was signed by 181 UN member countries and which is structured into 40 chapters. Agenda 21 highlights key problems, formulates approaches for solutions and proposes strategies for action for sustainable human development and environmental protection into the twenty-first century.

Thanks to a number of institutions and individuals involved, mountain areas received special attention in Agenda 21. The rationale for Chapter 13, entitled: "Managing Fragile Ecosystems - Sustainable Mountain Development", is formulated as follows: "Mountains are an important source of water, energy and biological diversity. Furthermore they are a source of such key resources as minerals, forest products and agricultural products and of recreation. As a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem.

Mountain ecosystems are, however, rapidly changing. They are susceptible to accelerated soil erosion, landslides and rapid loss of habitat and genetic resources. On the human side, there is widespread poverty among mountain inhabitants and loss of indigenous knowledge. As a result, most global mountain areas are experiencing environmental degradation. Hence, the proper management of mountain resources and socio-economic development of the people deserves immediate action" (United Nations, 1992). Extracts from the original text of Chapter 13 are available in Box 2. FAO was given the Task Manager role for Chapter 13 implementation.

Chapter 13 has initiated a number of dynamic processes and activities on mountain issues, including in particular the following:

• In most regions, inter-governmental consultations were held to draw the attention of political authorities to the importance of mountain areas and move towards more concerted action.
  
• A number of inter-agency meetings and NGO consultations have been organized.
  
• The global Mountain Forum network was founded in 1995. The forum's regional nodes are already active in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and North America, and have begun facilitating the exchange of information and mutual support across continents.
  
• Through worldwide research initiatives, many projects and larger programmes have been initiated with significant components for regional collaboration in mountain areas.
  
• A number of key publications have been issued (see References).
  
• For many of these initiatives and activities, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been a spearheading institution, providing funding, support and guidance at technical, institutional and policy level.

The years following UNCED have been critical in successfully transmitting the message on the global importance of mountain area resources, e.g. in terms of freshwater resources, biological diversity, importance for recreational activities and sensitivity to climate change. However, it is recognized that initiatives to date have been positive but inadequate: there is still the challenge of promoting appropriate policy formulation, and of creating and implementing effective new programmes for the conservation, management and development of mountain areas. The mountain chapter has shifted into a new and decisive phase with the launching of IYM.