Institute

Why  Institute of Mountain Area management ( IMAM)

“Mountains are an important source of water, energy and biological diversity. Furthermore, they are a source of such key resources as minerals, forest products and agricultural products and of recreation. As a major ecosystem representing the complex and interrelated ecology of our planet, mountain environments are essential to the survival of the global ecosystem. Mountain ecosystems are, however, rapidly changing. They are susceptible to accelerated soil erosion, landslides and rapid loss of habitat and genetic diversity. On the human side, there is widespread poverty among mountain inhabitants and loss of indigenous knowledge. As a result, most global mountain areas are experiencing environmental degradation. Hence, the proper management of mountain resources and socio-economic development of the people deserves immediate action.”

- Agenda 21, Chapter 13, “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development”*

* Endorsed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992

IMAM is an initiative to prepare well informed, committed leaders to work with National and the international agencies or as an entrepreneur for the movement “comprehensive sustainable development of mountains”.