A/RES/66/205 assessment reports on progress in sustainable mountain development since 1992 and its Call for Action, and the International Conference on Green Economy and Sustainable Mountain Development, held in Kathmandu in 2011, Acknowledging that despite the progress that has been made in promoting sustainable development of mountain regions, poverty, food insecurity, social exclusion and environmental degradation are still high, Acknowledging also the importance of the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General; 4 2. Notes with appreciation that a growing network of Governments, organizations, major groups and individuals around the world recognize the importance of the sustainable development of mountain regions for poverty eradication, and recognizes the global importance of mountains as the source of most of the Earth’s freshwater, as repositories of rich biological diversity and other natural resources, including timber and minerals, as providers of some sources of renewable energy, as popular destinations for recreation and tourism and as areas of important cultural diversity, knowledge and heritage, all of which generate positive, unaccounted economic benefits; Recognizes that mountains provide sensitive indications of climate 3. change through phenomena such as modifications of biological diversity, the retreat of mountain glaciers and changes in seasonal runoff that are having an impact on major sources of freshwater in the world, and stresses the need to undertake actions to minimize the negative effects of these phenomena and promote adaptation measures; Also recognizes that sustainable mountain development is a key 4. component in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in many regions of the world; Encourages greater consideration of sustainable mountain development 5. issues in intergovernmental discussions on climate change, biodiversity loss and combating desertification in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 5 the Convention on Biological Diversity, 6 the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa 7 and the United Nations Forum on Forests; 6. Notes with concern that there remain key challenges to achieving sustainable development, eradicating poverty in mountain regions and protecting mountain ecosystems, and that populations in mountain regions are frequently among the poorest in a given country; Encourages Governments to adopt a long-term vision and holistic 7. approaches in their sustainable development strategies, and to promote integrated approaches to policies related to sustainable development in mountain regions; _______________ 4 A/66/294. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1771, No. 30822. 6 Ibid., vol. 1760, No. 30619. 7 Ibid., vol. 1954, No. 33480. 5 2