International Mountain Day

The UN General Assembly declared December 11, 2003 International Mountain Day.

Mountains play a very important role in maintaining ecosystems. The goal of celebrating this international day is to raise awareness of the importance of mountains. Mountains cover about 22 percent of the Earth's surface and play a key role in steering the world toward sustainable economic growth. Also, they make up 56 percent of all biosphere reserves, where 13 percent of the world's population lives. When it comes to mountain tourism, it makes up about 15-20 percent of the global tourism industry.

Mountains actually represent a treasure that we can always use in the best way, but also with insufficient knowledge and decision we can abuse it. Today, we are witnessing many events in the world when it comes to the destruction of natural blessings and beauty.

Our Bosnia and Herzegovina, a mountainous country, has a lot to be proud of - its territory is woven with mountain ridges and wreaths and many peaks higher than 2,000 meters above sea level.  Mountains covered with forest expanses are often home to numerous animal and plant species, many of which are endemic. The mountaineers of our country are the greatest guardians of these mountain massifs - they visit them, admire their timeless beauty and tirelessly protect them from various types of pollution and destruction, mostly caused by humans.

On the occasion of International Mountain Day, I would like to single out one special mountain. actually, it's a mountain located in my hometown. Mahnjača mountain, a very beautiful and well-preserved mountain by humans and other pests. In addition to all the beauty and decorations it has, I must highlight one of the biggest peaks, Palašnica 1323m. Palašnica is special because in its center there is a tree, that everyone says is the most photogenic tree in the world. Really, that scene is unusual beautiuful and pleasant at any time of the year.

The message that should be followed when it comes to mountains is to preserve nature in the best possible way, and not to leave any traces on them other than the traces of our steps.

Amina Mehinović
Univerzitet u Zenici, Politehnički fakultet, Građevinarstvo
II godina studija