The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Conservation. Starting in 2025, March 21 will be designated as World Glacier Day. In an exciting new development, UIAA partners with Lenovo In recognition of its IMD activities.
As part of its work in the fields of mountain conservation and climate change, UIAA is committed to playing an active role throughout the 2025 campaign. The International Year of Glacier Protection (IYGP) proclaimed by the United Nations provides the UIAA with the perfect opportunity to put words into action. This global initiative aims to raise awareness of the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice. Through its activities, the UIAA undoubtedly affects and is affected by glaciers, and it hopes to respect this by giving glaciers a voice in 2025. A dedicated working group has been established within the UIAA Mountain Conservation Committee. The UIAA, in collaboration with the UNESCO World Mountain Biosphere Reserve Network and the Mountain Partnership, has prepared many opportunities for participation and invites member federations and glacier enthusiasts to events to celebrate the IYGP.
Both events – a dedicated event in 2025 and an annual World Day – aim to raise global awareness of the critical role of glaciers, snow and ice in the climate system. Their aim is to draw attention to the impact of changes in the Earth’s cryosphere on sea level rise, hydrological cycles, geohazards and related impacts on our economies and societies. The events also aim to encourage the exchange of data, knowledge and best practices on glacier protection and adaptation strategies.
The 2025 International Year of Glacier Conservation and World Glacier Day are organized by Tajikistanadopted by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, invites UNESCO and world meteorological organizationin collaboration with United Nations Member States and relevant organizations, e.g. work group management systemto facilitate its implementation.
During 2025, many international and national events will discuss the role of glaciers in the global system.
UIAA’s campaign officially kicks off on International Mountain Day 2024, with the publication of the first of 12 case studies dedicated to glacier protection. The stories will be published weekly from January through March through UIAA social media channels, focusing on the plight of glaciers in different parts of the world and from the perspectives of individuals including photographers, mountain guides, geologists, climbers and alpinists. Glacier expert. A summary of these stories will be posted on the UIAA website on March 21. Plus, a dedicated episode of the UIAA Podcast Sound of mountains There will be a focus on glaciers and contributions from a number of experts. The product will be released in the first quarter of 2025.
The UIAA Mountain Conservation Committee is further committed to issuing a Glacier Declaration next year and will reach out to various stakeholders within and outside the UIAA to participate.
“Glaciers are the foundation of all mountain life networks; their valuable ecosystem services enable all life forms downstream. To us, glaciers represent the wild beauty of the mountains that have inspired generations; to us they are a reminder of the last glaciation that shaped all the valleys in which we live. Glaciers mean history, culture and home. As a mountaineering and climbing community we are at the forefront of rapid change due to current climate conditions. That’s why we are taking decisive action during the International Year of Glacier Conservation to celebrate and remember the importance of glaciers to all humanity. “
Fernando Iglesias Letelier, UIAA IYGP Working Group
Here the United Nations will provide an overview of events and activities related to international and national glacier monitoring, glacier change and related impacts:
To commemorate IMD 2024, UIAA also released 2023 Carbon Footprint Report (This is the sixth since the initial submission in 2018) and recently published Sustainable Development Charter. UIAA believes that climbers and climbers can best fulfill their environmental responsibilities and help protect mountainous areas and their local communities through actions such as (self-)awareness, planning and implementation of practical measures, advocacy and regular exchange of experiences. However, there may be many different SDGs to consider, many of which overlap. Addressing these issues therefore requires simple, practical actions that deliver multiple benefits and are fully adapted to the specific context. The Sustainable Development Charter provides guidance on this.
Additionally, UIAA’s flagship program in sustainability Mountain Conservation Award The awards will return in 2025 for their 11th edition. Now, the biennial award is back with a number of exciting new developments, including partnership Associate with tech giants. Further details about the 2025 MPA will be announced in due course. Applications open March 1st.
