mountain ecosystem and the negative impact of development and tourism
Mountains are an important source of water, energy and biological diversity. Furthermore, they are a source of key resources such 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. Developmental initiatives and Tourism in Mountains Adverse Impact: • Dams and Roads: Dams and roads can be hazardous, if they are not properly constructed and managed. Disasters in mountains, and the forces that trigger them, affect larger areas, sometimes entire watersheds or river systems. • Mining: The forces that shaped the world’s mountains also made them rich in minerals and metals, including gold, copper, iron, silver and zinc. Owing to increasing demand, mines are now being opened even in remote mountain areas, particularly in developing countries....