Global Change in Mountain Biosphere Reserves
Many of the world's mountain ecosystems are undergoing important environmental change which brings about economic changes that may affect the ability of mountain regions to provide critical goods and services both to mountain inhabitants and lowland communities.  This project uses biosphere reserves (a single ecological region with zones that are protected and zones with human habitation) to detect and assess global changes in the biosphere, to define the environmental and socio-economic impacts of these changes, and to develop management strategies at local and regional levels.  UNESCO acts for sustainable land, water, and resource management, through several programs, including Global Change in Mountain Regions, Mountain Cloud Forest Initiative, and Development of Cultural and Eco-tourism in the Mountainous Regions of Central Asia and the Himalayas.  Other related programmes include the Mountain Cloud Forest Initiative, and Development of Cultural and Eco-tourism in the Mountainous Regions of Central Asia and the Himalayas.

UNESCO Sector: Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences
Responsible Staff:  Thomas Schaaf
More information: http://www.unesco.org/mab/ecosyst/mountains.shtml