Advocating for Mountain Ecosystems at the 2nd International Conference ‘Mountains: Biodiversity, Landscapes and Cultures’

On 5 – 6 November 2024, the 2nd International Conference ‘Mountains: Biodiversity, Landscapes and Cultures’ was held at the Western Caspian University in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference explored the challenges in mountainous areas, and how to protect mountain ecosystems and ensure their sustainable development. It brought together scientists, researchers, and interested individuals to engage in discussions on mountain biodiversity, ecological challenges, mountain cultures, and the economic impacts of tourism, with a focus on evaluating solutions to these issues. 

‘Developing and implementing sustainable tourism strategies can benefit local mountain economies and protect mountain environments and landscapes’ highlighted Sara Manuelli, Advocacy and Outreach Officer of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat.   She also underlined the relevance of the Conference in Baku just a week before the UNFCCC COP 29 and the need to highlight the Mountain Agenda in main global processes.  

 The Western Caspian University, the Mountain Partnership, the International Federation of Climbing and Alpinism, and other well-known organizations jointly organized the conference. In addition to Sara Manuelli, other internationally known researchers such as Mary Sanseverino, Senior Researcher with The Mountain Legacy Project at University of Victoria; Jan Cools, PhD, researcher of the University of Antwerp; Simon Seiichiro Maru, former president of the Japan Olympic Association; and Svetlana Belova, director of Machaon International, participated as honored guests. More than 200 participants attended the event. 

This event, which sought to make significant contributions to environmental protection, mountain tourism, and mountain cultures, marked a crucial step in advancing efforts to safeguard mountain ecosystems and promote environmental preservation. 

The Mountain Culture and Landscape Research Institute of Western Caspian University (MCLRI) is a research institute founded by Western Caspian University under the auspices of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). It works in the South Caucasus region, specifically in the mountains of Azerbaijan. One of the main missions of the MCLRI is to develop innovative programmes paying attention to mountain subjects, research and experimental learning. The aim is to increase attention to the protection of mountains, identifying recommendations for the protection of mountain cultures and obtaining protection status of mountainous cultures facing the threat of extinction.

Photo by Western Caspian University