Editorial. . . . . . .

One of the most delicate and important components of our environmental framework is the mountain ecosystem. Mountains have an impact on humans even when they live far away since they are the source of rivers. The rapid change in recent years has put the ecology in danger of extinction. A green economy is one that considerably lowers environmental dangers and ecological scarcities while also enhancing human wellbeing and social fairness. In order to prevent substantial environmental dangers and ecological scarcities for future generations, the green economy agenda aims to advance an economic system that enhances human wellbeing over the long term while preserving natural capital and environmental resources. While investing in ecosystem services like fresh water, biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, renewable energy, and job creation may present new opportunities due to the green economy, it also poses problems. It is vital to reassess the mountain agenda and must be pursued with a balanced strategy of economic, environmental, and social development and suitable policies.
Mountains are a significant provider of essential ecosystem services that are essential to the regional, global, and global economy. They also include a variety of significant natural resources. They have a significant impact on human wellbeing, ecological sustainability, environmental preservation, and economic and ecological resilience in the regions downriver. Mountains provide fresh water, clean energy, irrigation water, flood control, mineral resources, timber and non-timber forest products, leisure activities, and genetic resources to around half of the world’s population. Billions of people live in mountain regions, many of whom are indigenous ethnic populations whose way of life is heavily dependent on the natural resources found there. For metropolitan inhabitants, mountains provide a source of cultural, spiritual, and recreational resources. Water supply and quality are significantly regulated by the mountain ecology. Almost all of the world’s major rivers and many minor ones start in mountainous areas, which provide a sizeable portion of the world’s water supplies. Snow and ice in the high-altitude cryosphere are vast reservoirs of water. These are special freshwater reservoirs that discharge year-round into perennial rivers, providing a lifeline for countless numbers of people downstream. For the production of energy, to maintain industry, grow food, and provide drinking water, more than half of humanity depends on freshwater from mountains. Groundwater recharge and related processes that preserve the hydrological balance in downstream areas depend on mountain hydrological services as well.

Mountains are a significant source of clean energy, including hydropower, which accounts for more than 15% of the world’s energy. Worldwide, swift-moving rivers and mountain ranges are efficient producers of electricity. This energy source isn’t being used to its full potential, though. Through biogeochemical and biophysical processes that manage the carbon, energy, and water balance at the land surface, mountain ecosystems have a role in controlling the global climate. Beyond their physical bounds, mountains provide climate regulation services that impact all of the continent’s principal lands. Mountain ecosystems have a vital role in carbon sequestration and storage as well. Mountainous areas feature some of the world’s highest species richness and host a variety of distinct ecosystems. Agrobiodiversity has traditionally been protected by mountain communities. Maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes, and apples are six of the 20 plant crop species that account for 80% of the world’s food supply and have their origins in the Himalayas. Many domestic animals, including sheep, goats, and domestic yaks, have their roots in mountainous areas. Mountains are geographically isolated, which contributes to their high genetic variety, as do the many unique mountain cultures, which have long traditions of preserving certain plants and animals. While genetic diversity rises with altitude, plant species diversity falls. Many species and their populations find refuge in remote mountain locations, which promotes diversification. Mountain is home to a significant amount of linguistic, cultural, and racial variety. Traditional cultures and the preservation of natural resources have developed side by side throughout history in mountain ranges all across the world. Additionally, mountain tribes still hold a wealth of traditional knowledge on topics like agriculture, botany, medicine, and ecology. Mountain ecosystem services contribute both directly and indirectly to the livelihoods and economies of the mountains and areas downstream. In terms of direct contributions, mountains provide significantly to the world’s resources for mining, forestry, drinking and irrigation water, hydropower, and wind energy production. Numerous economic sectors, including those in the production of food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, range load, agriculture, forestry, hydropower, tourism, and others, are based on the goods and services provided by mountains. The medicinal plants, nuts, fruits, timber, fuel wood, and minerals found in mountain rangelands and forests support local and worldwide economies. Mountain vegetation significantly contributes to lowering or limiting the dangers associated with natural hazards, such as by preventing erosion, landslides, and localized flooding.

Mountains require new legislation that will protect their habitat while not reducing the economic impact of development and tourism. Both parties will benefit from this. Thus, if specific actions and precautions are taken, exploitation may be reversed. This will aid in restoration while also averting further abuse. For our future generations as well, this treasure trove of natural resources and beauty may be preserved.