On the occasion of ‘International Mountain Day’, J&K Ski and Mountaineering Association is organizing a program on December 11 and December 12 to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life.
In a statement, J&K SMA said the United Nations General Assembly has designated December 11 as the International Mountain Day which will be celebrated all over the world.“As of 2003, it has been observed every year to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world,” read the statement.
It said in Kashmir, it was first time observed by the J&KSMA in 2011.
“Now this day is celebrated in many parts of the state under the guidance of Commissioner Secretary Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah and under the supervision of Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah. Shah also happens to be President J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club.”
President ATOAK Rauf Tramboo said that main functions will be held in Srinagar on December 11.
“JKMHC shall screen some films and slide shows on mountain climbing and exploration etc., while as the it will hold a seminar on the theme Promoting Mountain Products at Hotel Grand Mumtaz on December 12,” informed the association in the statement.
It said many eminent academics, senior columnists, bureaucrats, adventurers and students of tourism management from central university of Kashmir are taking part in the seminar.
Besides seminar, JKSMA shall also release a souvenir containing messages, articles and other material regarding preservation of environment and ecology on December 12.
Tramboo also informed that some other awareness programs will also be held.
He further informed that JKSMA is holding its program in association with Adventure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir.
Muhammad Yusuf, President JKSMA said that International Mountain Day 2015 provides an occasion to highlight how mountain communities are protecting biodiversity by producing a large variety of typical products and providing crucial goods and services to all of us.
