The day set aside by United Nations in 2002 with the first commemoration held in 2003 raises awareness on the importance of mountains to human beings and other living things.
Speaking during the first ever Malawi’s International Mountain Day, Minister of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development Kondwani Nakhumwa said the significance of mountains to human beings cannot be overemphasized.
“There are so many things we benefit from mountains, example water, you should realize that mountains provide fresh water to over half of humanity,” said Nakhumwa.
This year’s International Mountain Day is “Mountains matter for youth” and Parliamentarian for Mulanje Pasani Ebbie Mathanda whose constituency is close to Mulanje Mountain said it is high time youth jealously safeguard the Mountain from destructive activities.
“The goodness with youth in my constituency is that they are aware of the importance of this mountain to them. Every year they take their time to plant trees in this Mountain,” said Mathanda.
In 2002, United Nations set aside 11th December as the International Mountain Day and the first commemoration was held in 2003.
The day calls upon governments and their partners to raise awareness on the importance of sustainable mountain development to countries.
