In anticipation of Earth Summit+5, a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to be convened in June, 1997 to review and appraise the implementation of Agenda 21, this paper seeks to:
" Evaluate the merits of a cross-sectoral approach to sustainable mountain development
" Construct a conceptual framework useful in analyzing the multiple issues contained within sustainable mountain development
" Recommend substantive policies to further current efforts in sustainable mountain development.
" Identify strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the Mountain Forum
" Suggest possible strategies to increase the visibility of and attention to sustainable mountain development issues at the Earth Summit+5 meeting in June, 1997.
This paper argues that substantive and powerful reasons do exist to approach sustainable mountain development issues through a cross-sectoral approach. theless, notable differences in mountain ecosystems between developed and developing regions need to be recognized. At the global level, we recommend the re-enforcement and institutionalization of a normative mountain regime. Regionally, inter-state cooperation holds significant promise in the mid-to-long term future. Actual implementation of policies promoting sustainable mountain development will occur primarily at the national level.
Despite its success, the Mountain Forum should expand its base of support to include local mountain communities, other environmental organizations and the general public. Finally, in anticipation of Earth Summit+5, the Mountain Forum and other mountain advocates should seek to raise awareness of sustainable mountain development as a legitimate environmental and development concern.
