International Mountain Day on Dec. 11 brings attention to the mountain regions that supply freshwater for nearly 2 billion people worldwide. Glaciers and ice caps in these areas release water slowly, feeding streams that support homes, farms and local industry. With those reserves shrinking, the stability of clean water sources becomes a pressing concern as the domino effect puts downstream communities at risk.
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To keep these communities secure, this year’s International Mountain Day advocacy puts local residents at the heart of new protection plans instead of treating mountains as distant scenery. Work is already underway to strengthen places facing tougher conditions, giving them the support they need to stay resilient in the years ahead.
Mountains as water sources
Year-round river flow often begins with snow and ice kept in mountain regions such as the Himalayas, the Andes and the Alps, which act as natural water towers. Cold seasons build deep layers that melt once temperatures rise, sending regular runoff into streams when dry conditions set in. This seasonal flow helps keep rivers active during hotter months and provides for communities that depend on consistent water.
The scale of this system reaches far beyond the peaks. These regions supply a large share of the world’s freshwater and sustain about 1.1 billion people, along with 85% of bird, amphibian and mammal species. As snow and ice shrink, communities face losses of safety, income and the long-standing sense of home tied to these landscapes.
Glaciers’ role on International Mountain Day
Glaciers and the surrounding ice caps serve as major freshwater stores that support ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. These frozen reserves hold around 70% of the planet’s accessible freshwater. They are central to long-term water security, and their retreat creates gaps that no alternative source can easily replace.
This year’s International Mountain Day theme focuses on the connection between glaciers, water supply and livelihoods across mountain regions and beyond. The message urges countries to act quickly to prevent rapid ice loss and protect a resource that plays a crucial role in global stability.
Climate pressure on mountains
Many communities depend on mountain regions for goods tied to reliable water, including medicinal plants, timber, forest materials, high-elevation livestock and specialty crops. These resources now face growing pressure as glaciers melt faster than anything recorded in past decades and as mountain waters become some of the first exposed to rapid shifts. This pace continuously affects food systems and clean energy sources, leaving billions more vulnerable as reliable water becomes harder to guarantee.
The risks extend across entire valleys. Thawing permafrost and shrinking glaciers raise the chances of floods, glacier lake outburst events, landslides and severe erosion that threaten downstream communities and key infrastructure. About 15 million people face danger from flooding, underscoring how quickly conditions can change. Biodiversity is also under strain, which disrupts natural processes that help regulate water.
Support systems for mountain regions
Efforts to protect mountain water systems rely on strong backing for the communities that live closest to them. Investments in infrastructure, ecosystem protection and climate resilience help stabilize regions that depend on steady water. Because many mountain ranges and glaciers span national borders, countries must work together to manage shared resources.
This year introduces the first World Day for Glaciers on March 21, 2025, launched alongside World Water Day on March 22 to push for coordinated global action. UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization lead the observance as part of the 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, an initiative aimed at securing long-term commitments for glacier protection.
Several programs are already underway. In Central Asia, UNESCO has secured funds for work that reduces disaster risks and expands scientific cooperation. GLOFCA, a regional project that reduces glacier lake outburst flood risks in the region, now operates a new glacier-monitoring system across shared glacial massifs.
In Africa, an 8-million-dollar project funded by the Global Environment Facility is helping Tanzania and Kenya better manage the waters of Mount Kilimanjaro. The effort aims to serve more than 2 million people, expand drinking-water access for an additional 100,000 residents and strengthen groundwater supplies during the dry season.
Mountain water priorities ahead
This year’s International Mountain Day observance shifts from general awareness to concrete planning that strengthens long-term water security in mountain regions. Growing programs now support both high-altitude environments and the communities that manage them, while international cooperation gives vulnerable areas the tools they need to adjust to changing conditions. With continued focus, these efforts can help keep mountain-sourced water secure for generations to come.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she’s also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
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