Sustainable Mountain Forest Biodiversity: Preserving Peak Ecosystems

Optimizing sustainable and multifunctional management of Alpine Forests ...

Climate change is challenging the sustainable provision of biodiversity and ecosystem services in mountain forests , including the important protection service against gravitational natural hazards ...

These communities often act as stewards of regeneration, yet remain vulnerable to land-use change, ecological degradation, and climate-induced risks [10, 11]. Preserving and regenerating mountain forestscapes is therefore a strategic priority for biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and sustainable development globally [12, 13].

Key Details About Sustainable Mountain Forest Biodiversity

In order to address issues related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, we have gathered 15 research articles in the present Research Topic that illustrate the ecology and management of mountain forest ecosystems.

Mountain platforms and networks—understood here as conventions, international agreements, scientific networks, and global or regional cooperation mechanisms dedicated to sustainable mountain development—are key enablers for mobilizing science-based, locally grounded action that advances both biodiversity and cli-mate goals.

Mountain Biodiversity Is Central to Sustainable Development in ...

Rich biological diversity in mountains provides ample benefits to people locally and beyond. However, mountain biodiversity is decreasing rapidly, often as a result of geographically distant demands. We can achieve the transition to sustainable development only by accounting for the drivers and benefits of mountain biodiversity from a local to global level.

Mountain forests cover about 900 million hectares of the world's land surface, constituting 20 percent of the world's forest cover. They are hotspots of biodiversity and provide important environmental services far beyond the mountains themselves. Mountain forests exist on every continent (except Antarctica) and in every climatic zone.

Overview of Sustainable Mountain Forest Biodiversity

High mountain forests are characterized by diverse ecological conditions and species composition, shaped by latitude, altitude, and climatic factors. These forests provide essential ecosystem services—including water regulation, biodiversity conservation, and cultural value—not only to mountain populations but also to downstream communities.

The Programme of Work on Mountain Biological Diversity, adopted in Decision VII/27 (2004), established the first compre-hensive international framework for the conservation and sustainable use of mountain ecosystems. Even today, the Programme's goals remain highly relevant under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

The fate of mountain biodiversity in a warming world

Mountains are home to some of the most spectacular biodiversity on Earth, but mountain species are thought to be especially vulnerable to climate change-driven extinctions. However, mountains can ...

It is to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests , combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and stop biodiversity loss.