Today we are launching three short information briefs as part of the Vanishing Treasures project, led by the UN Environment Programme and funded by the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. These briefs focus on three iconic, flagship mountain species – the mountain gorilla, snow leopard, and Royal Bengal tiger – and how they are being affected by climate change. The three species are all listed as endangered, and action is required to ensure their future existence.

We're also proud to be a partner in the Resilient Mountain Solutions project. It works to foster biodiversity as part of a larger effort to build the resilience of human communities in mountains.

In collaboration with our long-time partner ICIMOD, we are identifying and showcasing solutions tested in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region that could be taken up by other communities in the region as well as in other mountain areas. We are now working on a book that will share examples of currently used solutions and how they have improved mountain peoples’ lives.

One solution that has already proved viable in Hindu Kush Himalayan communities is use of jholmal, a sustainable, homemade bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide. As farmers are trained in how to produce and use jholmal, they become aware of the negative consequences of industrial fertilizers and pesticides on biodiversity. Other solutions for mountain communities – such as improved rangelands management and managed bee pollination – not only help develop economic opportunities and improve food security, but also protect ecosystems. The solutions often work best together, and each community can choose relevant solutions according to its own needs.

If you haven’t yet seen some of our previous work on mountain biodiversity, the series we produced back in 2014 provides a snapshot of why mountain biodiversity is so important to us all.

Make sure to follow the work of our mountain programme on GRID-Arendal's website and social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)!