“People need to climb the mountain not simply because it is there, But because the soulful divinity needs to be mated with the spirit.” —Dalai Lama
AIMF IS proud to represent the mountain Partnership Region that includes North and Central America and the caribbean
The Aspen International Mountain Foundation (AIMF) represents the region comprised of Mountain Partnership members in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
The Mountain Partnership is a United Nations voluntary alliance of partners dedicated to improving the lives of mountain peoples and protecting mountain environments around the world. Read more about the Mountain Partnership.
AIMF serves as vice-chair of the Mountain Partnership Steering Committee (the chair is the Government of Italy). We welcome your questions about joining the Mountain Partnership and/or collaborating on projects in our region.
The United Nations Mountain Partnership Steering Committee Meeting was held March 26-27, 2019 at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy. AIMF Vice President Eric Smith and AIMF President Karinjo DeVore, fourth and fifth from left.
ABOUT OUR REGION — NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
The mountains in North and Central America and the Caribbean are an important source of freshwater as well as natural resources, such as coal and natural gas. In North America, the mountain recreation and tourism industry contributes significant revenues for state and provincial budgets. Mountains are an attractive place to live for many; young people and retirees are moving to them part-time or year-round for the ‘good quality of life’ they offer while various local North American populations have spiritual or cultural connections to mountains.
However, North America’s fragile mountain ecosystems face major challenges caused by climate change, urban encroachment and industry. An important economic driver for North America’s mountains, mining and other industries can cause serious damage to people, water and land.
Though mountains only encompass 2 percent of Central America’s land surface, they account for a remarkable 12 percent of the earth’s biodiversity. In addition to climate change, the greatest global threat to the sustainable mountain development in Central America, population growth, food insecurity, unemployment, outmigration and the need for more healthcare and education services pose serious challenges to the region.
The Caribbean is home to 115 islands, most of which are volcanic with rich fertile soils and mountainous landscapes. Classified as a significant global biodiversity hotspot, the region has extremely diverse ecosystems, ranging from high altitude rain forests to cactus savannas.
Population growth, along with the intensification of agriculture and tourism put high pressure on Caribbean ecosystems. Additionally, deforestation on mountains and unsustainable farming practices on steep hillsides often contribute to landslides and other forms of soil loss during extreme weather events.
AIMF OBJECTIVES
Provide a platform for representing the Mountain Partnership’s North American, Central American, and Caribbean region.
Dedicate activities toward promoting and building resilient mountain environments and communities in the region and around the world.
Engage our members and other mountain stakeholders by facilitating dialog and exchanges within our regional and global network.
AIMF STRATEGY
Develop alliances and networks with stakeholders such as policy makers, academia, NGOs, businesses, and others.
Link the region’s sustainable mountain development initiatives and performance with the global mountain network.
Gather and disseminate mountain-specific information and research that enhances knowledge and understanding.
about the UNited nations Mountain Partnership
The Mountain Partnership is a United Nations voluntary alliance of partners dedicated to improving the lives of mountain peoples and protecting mountain environments around the world. The organization’s growing membership includes 60 mountain countries and over 350 NGOs, IGOs and other groups.
Formed in 2002 and headquartered in Rome, the Mountain Partnership has been involved in virtually all global environmental meetings including the COPs (UN formal meetings on environment). Together with the Mountain Partnership, the Aspen International Mountain Foundation (AIMF) wrote three of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
AIMF has served as vice-chair of the Mountain Partnership Steering Committee since being elected in 2013 and then re-elected in 2017. The chair is the Government of Italy. AIMF also serves as the regional representative for North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Mira Rai — 2020 MOUNTAIN PARTNERSHIP GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
Nepalese trail runner and sky runner Mira Rai was appointed a Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassador on International Mountain Day 2020.
Nepalese trail runner and sky runner, Mira Rai, was appointed a Mountain Partnership Goodwill Ambassador during the virtual International Mountain Day celebrations on Friday, 11 December 2020. She is the winner of 2017 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and is the founder of Mira Rai Initiative, a platform to empower trail runners in Nepal, especially female, and promote trail running as the mainstream adventure sport in Nepal. This initiative aims to give young female athletes an opportunity to chase their dreams and defy the challenges that hold them back. Mira Rai Initiative has been working with the Hong Kong Trail Running group since 2018 to run an Exchange and Empower program that aims to provide young talented female runners the opportunity to focus on athletic training, education and their professional development.
