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International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions (Mountain Partnership)
[last updated November 7, 2007 8:35 AM]
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General Information
Partnership website(s) |
Expected TimeframeSeptember 2002 - Open Ended |
Partners
Governments:
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Major Groups:
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UN System:
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Other intergovernmental organizations:
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Thematic Focus
Primary Themes:
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Secondary Themes:
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Geographic Coverage
Geographic Scope: Global
Country(ies) where the partnership is being implemented: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela |
National Focal Points
This partnership has made contact with the national focal points for sustainable development in the countries involved
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Goals and Objectives
Summary of the partnership's goals and objectives
The International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, or the Mountain Partnership, is an evolving, voluntary alliance of partners dedicated to improving the well-being, livelihoods and opportunities of mountain people and the protection and stewardship of mountain environments around the world. The Mountain Partnership taps the wealth and diversity of resources, knowledge, skills and expertise of its members to support positive change in mountain areas. The Partnership was launched as a type-2 outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2002: the basic concept and guiding principles of the Mountain Partnership resulted from a consultative process that took place during the preparatory sessions of the WSSD with its core document (known as the Bali Document) finalized at the Fourth Session of the Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Bali, Indonesia, 27 May - 7June 2002). Commitment to the Mountain Partnership has increased rapidly at the country, regional and international levels and concrete action is now underway to improve the lives of mountain people and protect mountain environments around the world. By November 2007, 48 countries, 15 intergovernmental organizations and 84 major groups (e.g. civil society, NGOs, private sector) had already joined the Mountain Partnership. A Mountain Partnership Secretariat, with financial support from the governments of Italy and Switzerland, is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and has the direct involvement of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Mountain Partnership intends to build on the successes of the International Year of Mountains (2002) and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of Chapter 13, Agenda 21 and to promote, inter alia, joint initiatives based on paragraph 42 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and other related instruments regarding mountains, by enhancing on-the-ground action and by working at the policy, programme and project levels. Specific Partnership Initiatives have been identified by members and are foussing on priority areas of action, such as biodiversity, education, gender, policy and law, research, sustainable livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and rural development in mountains (SARD-M) and watershed management. Additionally, geographically-focussed Initiatives have been launched and are operational in the Andes, Central America and Caribbean, Central Asia, East Africa, Europe and the Hindu Kush Himalaya. These Initiatives will be followed by others, as new priority areas, thematic and geographic, are identified. Linkages between Partnership Initiatives are being encouraged at the local, national, regional and global levels, with members entering into specific initiatives according to their priorities, needs and capacities.
The Mountain Partnership intends to build on the successes of the International Year of Mountains (2002) and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of Chapter 13, Agenda 21 and to promote, inter alia, joint initiatives based on paragraph 42 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and other related instruments regarding mountains, by enhancing on-the-ground action and by working at the policy, programme and project levels. Specific Partnership Initiatives have been identified by members and are foussing on priority areas of action, such as biodiversity, education, gender, policy and law, research, sustainable livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and rural development in mountains (SARD-M) and watershed management. Additionally, geographically-focussed Initiatives have been launched and are operational in the Andes, Central America and Caribbean, Central Asia, East Africa, Europe and the Hindu Kush Himalaya. These Initiatives will be followed by others, as new priority areas, thematic and geographic, are identified. Linkages between Partnership Initiatives are being encouraged at the local, national, regional and global levels, with members entering into specific initiatives according to their priorities, needs and capacities.
Targets and Progress
Partnership targetsThe Mountain Partnership is conceived as an umbrella alliance under which all partners can enter into specific partnership initiatives according to their interest, needs and concerns. The core of the Mountain Partnership is concrete action on the ground, the so-called Initiatives (areas of focus) which are organized around thematic areas, geographic regions, or institutional concerns.
Specific targets, workplans, programmes and projects are determined by relevant stakeholders as Partnership Initiatives develop. |
Progress against targetsMembership of the Mountain Partnership has grown steadily from approximately 40 members at its launch at WSSD in September 2002 to 147 members as of November 2007. Specific thematic initiatives have been launched and are operational on biodiversity, education,gender, policy and law, research, sustainable livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and rural development in mountains (SARD-M), and watershed management. Additionally, geographically-focussed Initiatives are working in the Andes, East Africa, Central Asia, Central America and Caribbean, Europe and the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Additional recent areas of focus are: microfinance, local governance, mountain products and broadband communications.The Mountain Partnership members have adopted three key documents to provide a solid and dynamic framework for collaborative activities: the "Organization, Membership and Governance of the Mountain Partnership"; the "Cusco Framework for Action" and the Declaration of the Andes, all of which were adopted by members at the Second Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership (Cusco, Peru, 28-29 October 2004).
Much focus is on decentralized cooperation. Given the importance of mountain-specific policies and laws for attaining sustainable mountain development, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat is working with members to promote greater,more focused engagement of European local authorities in exchange and cooperation activities with local authorities in developing countries. The Secretariat encourages information flow, knowledge sharing and brokerage between its members and their initiatives. In the period leading to CSD15, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat has expanded the outreach of its monthly e-newsletter, "Peak to Peak"(over 600 current subscribers in 5 regions) in the Partnership and beyond, as well as refining the Mountain Partnership Website (all available in English, French and Spanish). In particular, the Web site includes databases on members and their Partnership Initiatives; a country profile system; a funding database and resources to assist members identify sources of funding; and an on-line discussion area for members to exchange experiences and good practices, identify common areas of collaboration and build communities of practice. The Secretariat has also arranged, in collaboration with the Mountain Forum, a global e-consultation for members and interested stakeholders on cooperation in biodiversity management between the Andes and Hindu-Kush Himalaya. |
Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
- Human resources development/training
- Education/building awareness
- Institutional strengthening, including local participation
- Technology transfer/exchange
Specific arrangements for capacity building (through training, education, awareness raising, institutional strengthening, etc.) and technology transfer and exchange are being identified and determined by members for specific Partnership Initiatives which are developing under the umbrella alliance of the Mountain Partnership. In general the Mountain Partnership serves as a mechanism for networking, knowledge, communication and information sharing and exchange and functions as a clearing house for members. It also complements, supports and strengthens on-going initiatives in sustainable mountain development. The Mountain Partnership aims to function as a broker for joint activities, facilitating contacts between countries and institutions in view of collaborative activities and creating conditions for technical cooperation and resource mobilization at the national, regional and global levels. The Mountain Partnership is also forging linkages with existing multilateral instruments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) and mountain-related regional instruments such as the Alpine Convention and the Carpathian Convention. Sub-regional mountain cooperation in the framework of the Mountain Partnership was furthered on 8 November 2006 when a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Alpine Convention and the Carpathian Convention was signed by participating Secretariats and Presidencies at an informal ministerial meeting of mountain regions (9th Alpine Conference, Alpbach, Austria, 6-9 November 2006). In addition, the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Carpathian Convention -COP1 (11-13 December 2006, Kyiv, Ukraine) adopted the Carpathian Declaration, which notes its appreciation of the Mountain Partnership as an important platform for cooperation and experience-sharing between mountain regions of the world.
Relationship to International Agreements on Sustainable Development
How the partnership contributes to the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation
The Mountain Partnership promotes the implementation of Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 and the negotiated outcome document of WSSD, taking into account the growing involvement of global actors such as civil society, including private sector, NGOs and the academic and research community. The Mountain Partnership represents a type-two outcome of WSSD, acting as an umbrella alliance for specific regional and thematic Partnership Initiatives. It is also closely linked to Chapter 14 of Agenda 21, Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies; Combating poverty; Integrating environment and development in decision-making; Managing fragile ecosystems: sustainable mountain development; Financial resources and mechanisms; Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and capacity-building; Science for sustainable development; Promoting education, public awareness and training; National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries; International institutional arrangements; International legal instruments and mechanisms; Information for decision-making
Relevant Sections of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 Integration of economic, social and environmental objectives; Sectors and issues; Means of implementation
Relevant Sections of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Protection and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development ; Means of implementation ; Strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development at the international level; Role of international institutions; Strengthening institutional arrangement for sustainable development at the regional level; Strengthening institutional frameworks for sustainable development at the national level; Participation of major groups
Coordination and Implementation
Coordination Mechanism of the PartnershipThe Mountain Partnership consists of its Members, its defined Governance mechanism and its Secretariat. The structure of the Mountain Partnership is non-hierarchical and decentralized. This structure allows equal participation and optimal connectivity between members. Within the structure, Partnership Initiatives are developed and implemented by the members concerned.
The governance of the Mountain Partnership is based on the principles of democratic participation of all members, accountability, responsiveness, consensus, transparency and flexibility. Issues of major importance, such as the workplans of the Secretariat or the expansion of the roster of initiatives, would necessitate a vote for all members, with a simple majority prevailing. The conference of the partners is the supreme governing body of the Mountain Partnership and, whenever possible, it will meet face-to-face every two years and/or in response to expressed interests, needs and available funding, as appropriate. Members might also envisage holding face-to-face meetings at the regional level, or in the specific context of any given initiative under the Mountain Partnership. In order to accommodate stakeholder interests and concerns to ensure the legitimacy of decision-making, the governance structure will take a direct democratic approach, in which each member has a voice in the decision-making process of the Mountain Partnership through e-polling, e-conferencing and devoted discussion lists. Such an e-governance structure could help ensure that the Mountain Partnership develops within agreed principles. |
Implementation Mechanism of the PartnershipThe Mountain Partnership Secretariat was formally established in June 2005 as a long-term mechanism to support and service members of the Mountain Partnership. This follows a 2-year period during which an interim arrangement was in place to service the membership during the start-up phase following the launch of the Mountain Partnership in 2002.The Mountain Partnership Secretariat helps to link existing activities in mountain development and foster synergies and complementarities to promote closer collaboration, avoid duplication and achieve greater coherence and better results in terms of sustainable development. It will however not coordinate the actions of the members nor assign specific tasks and responsibilities to members.
The Secretariat is responsible for regular reporting on the status and activities of the Mountain Partnership to the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), and other relevant bodies, as appropriate. The Mountain Partnership Secretariat is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and financed through voluntary contributions. It is multi-stakeholder in composition, with staff inputs from FAO and UNEP and strong collaboration with the Mountain Forum. The main tasks of the Secretariat are to provide communication services, knowledge management and brokering functions, and to act as networking point and liaison office for partners. It also provides members with information about the availability of funds and financial mechanisms for mountain activities. As of 2008, decentralized regional hubs will be added to the Secretariat(initially in North America,Latin America, Asia)with FAO continuing to host the central hub of the Secretariat which will provide overall coordination.In addition,UNEP will continue to ensure environmental issues are adequately addressed through its inputs to the Secretariat. |
Resources
Funding Currently AvailableAmount in US$: no further data available 7/11/07
Source(s): Government
Government of Switzerland (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) Government of Italy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Italian Cooperation) Government of France (Ministry of Agriculture) The governments of Switzerland and Italy have provided an annual contribution of approximately $500,000 each to fund the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, hosted at FAO. This level of funding is expected to continue. The Government of France provided $350,000 over two years (2005-2007)to fund a project to promote quality mountain products under the Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative of the Mountain Partnership. As of 2008, decentralized regional hubs will be added to the Secretariat(initially in North America,Latin America, Asia)with FAO continuing to host the central hub of the Secretariat which will provide overall coordination. The overall financial contribution from Switzerland and Italy is expected to remain unchanged. Further financial support is sought. |
Non-financial resources availableType(s): Computers - Office space - Staff
Source(s): IGO - NGO
FAO, as host of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, is providing office space, computers, telephone/fax communications and staff time to the Secretariat. UNEP contributes a professional officer on a part-time basis to the Secretariat. The Mountain Forum, as a collaborating partner, is also providing some in-kind support to Secretariat tasks and delivery of services. As of 2008, decentralized regional hubs will be added to the Secretariat(initially in North America,Latin America, Asia)with FAO continuing to host the central hub of the Secretariat which will provide overall coordination. All host institutions will be providing in-kind support. |
Funding SoughtRequired Amount in US$: not specified
Source(s) already approached: The Mountain Partnership Secretariat will assist members in identifying funding sources (bi-lateral donors, foundations, private sector, etc.) for specific activities developed in the context of thematic and regional Partnership Initiatives. Fund-raising will be carried out in a decentralized manner, with members of the Mountain Partnership having the responsibility for mobilizing funds for their specific activities within the defined Partnership Initiatives.
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Non-financial resources soughtRequirement(s): Other
Seconded staff to Secretariat, from Governments, UN agencies, NGOs, etc. In-kind support to specific activities, projects and programmes defined under Partnership Initiatives and special areas of activity. Source(s) approached and details:
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Additional Information
Additional Relevant Information
- Various types of communications and information exchange mechanisms, including both electronic means (e.g. e-consultations, e-newsletters, websites, data bases and collaborative workspaces) as well as face-to-face meetings, have proven to be key in fostering networking and building alliances within the partnership and mobilizing action by members in the various phases of partnership development.
- The designation of focal points by member organizations and governments has shown to be a critical factor in determining the degree and nature of involvement in partnership activities. In certain cases, designated focal points have not been very active due to lack of time and/or experience and expertise in specific technical issues. This applies mainly to countries rather than Major Group organizations. Some countries have designated the same person to be the focal point to several WSSD partnerships simultaneously, thereby limiting their degree of involvement in any one partnership. In such cases, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat is attempting to facilitate the identification of alternative or secondary focal points, to allow a more active role.
- Since the launch of the Mountain Partnership in 2002 there have been two global meetings of the entire membership. These have been important opportunities to build consensus and foster exchange and interaction, but have required significant financial resources and organizational effort to plan and implement. Such events should be limited to not more than once every two years.
- the Mountain Partnership continues to receive visibility and support in regional and international processes (e.g. Carpathian Convention, Alpine Convention), CSD reporting, and UNGA reports and resolutions on sustainable mountain development (60th and 62nd sessions).
- The development and implementation of multi-stakeholder partnerships is not an exact science. The Mountain Partnership Secretariat continues to benefit greatly from sharing experiences with other CSD partnerships (e.g. via the CSD Partnerships Fair) and learning from other Partnership models.
- The designation of focal points by member organizations and governments has shown to be a critical factor in determining the degree and nature of involvement in partnership activities. In certain cases, designated focal points have not been very active due to lack of time and/or experience and expertise in specific technical issues. This applies mainly to countries rather than Major Group organizations. Some countries have designated the same person to be the focal point to several WSSD partnerships simultaneously, thereby limiting their degree of involvement in any one partnership. In such cases, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat is attempting to facilitate the identification of alternative or secondary focal points, to allow a more active role.
- Since the launch of the Mountain Partnership in 2002 there have been two global meetings of the entire membership. These have been important opportunities to build consensus and foster exchange and interaction, but have required significant financial resources and organizational effort to plan and implement. Such events should be limited to not more than once every two years.
- the Mountain Partnership continues to receive visibility and support in regional and international processes (e.g. Carpathian Convention, Alpine Convention), CSD reporting, and UNGA reports and resolutions on sustainable mountain development (60th and 62nd sessions).
- The development and implementation of multi-stakeholder partnerships is not an exact science. The Mountain Partnership Secretariat continues to benefit greatly from sharing experiences with other CSD partnerships (e.g. via the CSD Partnerships Fair) and learning from other Partnership models.