GEO Mountains is a global initiative within the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Work Programme (2023–2025), co-led by the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). Hosted at the University of Bern in Switzerland, we connect research institutions and mountain observation networks to improve the quality, accessibility, and use of mountain data worldwide.
Why Mountains Matter
Mountains cover vast areas of Earth and provide essential ecosystem services, such as supplying water to billions of people. They are also home to exceptionally high levels of biodiversity. Yet, mountain regions are increasingly threatened by climate change and human activities, threatening ecosystems, resources, and communities – while often amplifying disaster risks.
The Need for Data
To design effective strategies for climate adaptation, risk reduction, and sustainable development, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers need access to reliable and diverse mountain data. Historically, many mountain regions have been ‘data-poor’ because of their remoteness and inaccessibility. Today, thanks to advances in satellite remote sensing, continued long-term monitoring programmes, and a growing culture of Open Data, the availability and quality of mountain-related data have improved dramatically.
Still, challenges remain:
- How can users navigate this complex and expanding pool of data to find what they need?
- Under what conditions should data be shared, and through which platforms?
- And how can different datasets be combined to better understand the complexity of mountain systems and inform research, policy, and practice?
Our Role
Since 2016, GEO Mountains – an Initiative of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) – has been working to make mountain data more discoverable, accessible, and useful. Today, the network brings together over 300 members from research institutions, observation networks, and other stakeholders.
What We Do
GEO Mountains contributes by:
- Developing and maintaining inventories of long-term mountain measurement sites and gridded datasets/data portals.
- Convening members online and in regional workshops to share challenges, solutions, and best practices.
- Contributing to scientific debates and activities on mountain monitoring and data generation, including the development of Mountain Observatories and Essential Variables for mountain systems;
- Providing mountain data and information in formats that support global assessments (e.g., IPCC) and policy processes.
Our Approach
GEO Mountains is an open and inclusive network, guided by the principles of Open Data and Open Science. We welcome contributions from researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike to help strengthen knowledge, inform decisions, and ultimately support both mountain communities and ecosystems.
We promote knowledge co-production and user engagement, actively involving policy- and decision-makers in the creation of new knowledge. To achieve this, GEO Mountains engages policy actors in an ongoing consultation process.
We seek to develop strong connections and synergies with other relevant GEO Work Programme activities, such as GEO BON, and The GEO Human Planet Initiative (HPI), as well as other relevant network-type organisations such as ICIMOD, CONDESAN, iLTER/eLTER and PAGES. Via the MRI, we have links to Future Earth.
The MRI’s Working Groups, especially the Elevation Dependent Climate Change Working Group and Mountain Observatories Working Group, also support the endeavours of GEO Mountains.
