It’s the 11th day of our 12 Gifts of Christmas and today is International Mountain Day. A day set aside by the UN to highlight the threat to mountains from climate change, land degradation, over exploitation and natural disasters, as well as the consequences for local communities and the world as a whole.
For us, mountains are our playground and our place of work. But for 13% of the population, mountains are their home, 90% of whom are in developing countries living below the poverty line and with the threat of food insecurity.
I was in Tibet, just over the border from Nepal when the devastating earthquake hit in 2015. Whole communities who had little to begin with, were completely wiped out taking two years or more to be rebuilt.
So on International Mountain Day 2017 we’re saying, give the gift of a Mountain to the Adventurer in your life and help a mountain community build a better future. Book any hiking, navigation or climbing event or buy gift vouchers from RockRiver Expeditions in December and we will give 1% of sales revenue to Community Action Nepal.
CAN is a mountaineers’ charity to help mountain people to help themselves raise their standard of living and strengthen indigenous, community-based culture.
Reasons why you should get into the mountains
- Being outdoors can be a big mood-booster
- Exercise boosts endorphins
- Being in nature reduces anger, fear and stress
- Learn a new skill
- Test your limits
- Ignite your senses
- Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you to deal with change
Buy a gift from us for you or a friend and support Community Action Nepal.
Find all of our gift recommendations here;
Day 1 – The Buff
Day 2 – The Lifeventure Thermal Mug
Day 3 – The Silva Expedition 4 Compass
Day 4 – The MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
Day 5 – The Alpkit MytiStax
Day 6 – The Satmap Active 12 GPS
Day 7 – Icebreaker Merino Tshirts
Day 8 – Leki Walking Poles
Day 9 – Alpkit Viper 2 Headtorch
Day 10 – Hats
Day 11 – Mountains
Day 12 – Ordnance Survey Maps