The Kurdistan Region has officially become a member of the Mountain Partnership, a United Nations alliance committed to improving the lives of mountain communities and protecting fragile mountain ecosystems.
As climate change accelerates, mountain regions face severe challenges, including melting glaciers that threaten water supplies, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. The Mountain Partnership, established in 2002, unites governments and organizations to promote sustainable development in mountain areas through collaboration, research, and investment.
In a statement, the Kurdistan Region’s Climate Change Office expressed pride in joining the initiative, emphasizing its commitment to addressing climate and biodiversity challenges. The region aims to contribute to global efforts to support mountain communities, enhance sustainable livelihoods, and safeguard mountain ecosystems.
Beyan Sami Abdurrahman, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for Foreign Affairs and Climate Change, highlighted the cultural and environmental importance of Kurdistan’s mountains. “The mountains of Kurdistan are an inseparable part of our identity, culture, and heritage. Climate change threatens these communities and their biodiversity. Through this partnership, we will work to ensure they adapt and thrive,” she said. She also urged universities to prioritize research on the effects of climate change on mountain ecosystems.
Since October, Kurdistan has actively participated in Mountain Partnership initiatives, presenting its case for the global importance of mountain regions in biodiversity, water resources, and forests. At COP29 in Azerbaijan, the Kurdistan delegation engaged in discussions with organizations like the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), emphasizing the critical role of mountain ice and snow in combating climate change and achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals.
Mountain regions are home to 15% of the world’s population and half of its biodiversity, while supplying drinking water to more than half of humanity. However, they face mounting threats. Kurdistan is calling on global stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and invest in sustainable development to protect these vital regions and their communities.