The United Nations designated 2002 as the Year of the Mountain, meant to draw attention to mountain communities and culture, and to highlight their importance to the global community. Since then, December 11 has been recognized as International Mountain Day, recognizing mountain minorities and indigenous peoples.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve sought refuge and solace in mountains; many times throughout my life, I have stood on steep mountain slopes, feeling more at home than I’ve felt in any city or town. In graduate school, I studied–in part–human evolution at high altitude. Mountains have always been a huge part of my life; I’m happy to take the day to recognize the importance of mountain culture on the world stage. If mountains are a part of your life, take a moment today to reflect on the importance of indigenous mountain communities on our lives and on the global community.
Sierra Crest, Sequoia National Park, November 2010
Hey, that’s cool. I hadn’t even heard of this. Thanks for the post.
wonderful image
Love the colors you found! I can relate to that feeling of being at home in the wilderness. I can never get enough of it!
Thanks for sharing Greg, I hadn’t heard of this before. The mountains are a big part of my life too and I agree that we need to support the cultures that live in them. That’s why I support Greg Mortenson and his work with the Central Asia Institute as it not only helps these people to become self sustaining, but it promotes world peace at the same time!
Amazing pink glow, I love this photo!