Mountain ecosystems cover about one-quarter of the Earth’s surface and support a diverse range of living organisms: humans, animals and plants. Moreover, mountains provide essential ecosystem services (water, biodiversity, climate modulation, and carbon storage) as well as useful products (food, medicine, non-timber forest products, and building materials). Mountains also serve as the world’s water towers. It is estimated that about two-thirds of the fresh water that sustains humanity originates from mountain and upland areas. More than half the world’s population depends directly or indirectly on mountain resources and services.

Authors: Xu, J.; Su, Y.; Salim, M.A.

Subjects: ecosystem services, incentive

Publication type: Chapter-R, Publication

Year: 2017