International Mountain Day has its roots in the document Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development (Chapter 13), adopted in 1992 as part of the action plan Agenda 21 of the Conference on Environment and Development.
In addition, a remarkably high proportion of the world's cultural and ethno-linguistic diversity can be found in mountain areas.
Unfortunately, mountains are under threat from climate change and overexploitation.
Rising temperatures also mean that mountain glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, affecting freshwater supplies downstream for millions of people.
The UNESCO organised International Mountain Day (every December) looks to promote education and training and market access.
It also encourages diverse employment opportunities and good public services can ensure a brighter future for mountains.
The increasing attention to the importance of mountains led the UN declare to 2002 the UN International Year of Mountains.
The first international day was celebrated for the first time the following year, 2003.