Global Network for Observations and Information in Mountain Environments

Mountain regions provide multiple ecosystem services to society globally (e.g., water), and host disproportionately high biodiversity. Yet mountain climates are changing rapidly, and direct anthropogenic impacts continue to add further pressure on these vulnerable landscapes. Policy-makers, environmental managers, and others need accurate, timely, and high spatio-temporal resolution data on mountain social-ecological systems. However, obtaining observational data in mountains is often inherently challenging. Moreover, accessing what does exist can be time-consuming and scientific knowledge often lacks practical applicability for decision-making.

The core challenges of improving data discoverability and accessibility are being addressed through two inventories; the GEO Mountains In Situ Inventory and the GEO Mountains General Inventory. We also lead and contribute to various peer-reviewed articles that seek to substantiate and contribute perspectives on mountain monitoring and observation, identify data gaps, and exploit existing data to address key scientific questions and policy needs. Finally, we aim to mediate an ongoing dialogue between mountain data users and mountain data providers, share capacities within and between global mountain regions, support Early Career Professionals, and heighten the impact that the mountain community has in global policy fora. We place a strong emphasis on communication and Open Science.

Contributing to IPCC AR6 on Human Population Dynamics in Mountains Work conducted through GEO Mountains on human population dynamics in the world’s mountains contributed to the Cross-Chapter Paper on Mountains in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). Addressing Systematic Observation Gaps: Contributions to UNFCCC COP27 GEO Mountains also made contributions to the deliberations at the UNFCCC COP27, resulting in a decision by the parties that highlights the importance of addressing systematic observation gaps in mountain regions and those associated with the cryosphere.

The integrative nature of mountain systems means that GEO Mountains has relevance to several policy frameworks and conventions at the global scale, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN 2030 Agenda (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Our specific focus within these realms revolves around mountain-related aspects that are particularly relevant or important.

GEO Mountains is co-led by the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI, Dr. Carolina Adler) and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR; Prof. Elisa Palazzi). Three other MRI staff members are affiliated with the GEO Mountains Secretariat; a Coordinator, a Scientific Project Officer, and a Communications Manager. The Secretariat and many activities are funded via the Adaptation at Altitude Programme, through which some activities focus on five core regions (though the Initiative is global in scope). Besides the Secretariat, our governance structure includes a core advisory group of individuals who represent organisations (other GEO Participating Organizations, international organizations, academic institutions, and others) that have contributed substantially to GEO Mountains activities in the past and/or we see as key partners going forward. The role of the core group is to provide advice and direction. Furthermore, GEO Mountains also receives programmatic guidance and advice from the MRI Board and MRI Science Leadership Council. The GEO Mountains network is completed by several hundred researchers and other stakeholders working in and for mountains globally across a range of disciplines. We are an open and inclusive network, with anyone with the interest, skills, and experience most welcome to join and contribute.