International conference on mountain ecosystems: biodiversity and adaptations under climate change scenario (22–24 March 2023)

Abstract

Mountains, accounting for 24% of the global terrestrial area, occur on all continents, in all latitudinal zones, and within all of the principal biomes. As fragile ecosystems, mountains represent unique areas for detecting climate change and its impacts. Mountain ecosystems are receiving increasing attention in international debates due to their rich biodiversity and the cascading effects of a warming climate on humanity. The yearly conferences under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serve as the formal meeting of the Conference of the Parties to assess the progress in dealing with climate change. Considering the intricate link between climate change and biodiversity loss and its impact on human well-being, an international conference entitled ‘Mountain Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Adaptations under Climate Change Scenarios’ was held at the Graphic Era Deemed to Be University, Dehradun, India (22–24 March 2023). The conference hosted some of the leading research groups working on remote mountain ecosystems (i.e. Himalayan, Antarctic, and Andean). The discussions focussed on the state of biodiversity under prevailing climate change scenarios, with particular reference to adaptations and applications of socio-ecological resilience, livelihood diversification, evolving development policies, and nature-based solutions for mountain ecosystems and the people residing there. The conference involved specific discussions on three significant mountain ecosystems: