2024 Africa Mountains Forum Urges Action on Water and Climate Challenges for a Sustainable Future

Kigali, Rwanda | December 11, 2024

Mountains are Africa’s lifelines, sustaining life across the continent by serving as natural water towers, preserving biodiversity, and providing food and livelihoods for millions. Yet, these vital ecosystems are increasingly under threat from climate change and water scarcity and other interconnected challenges, jeopardizing their ability to support human and environmental well-being.

In response to these challenges, the Africa Regional Mountains Forum 2024 (ARMF 2024) was convened in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 10-11, 2024, under the theme “Mountains, Water and Climate: Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” This biannual gathering of mountain communities, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders coincides with International Mountain Day (IMD) and aims to propose innovative solutions and mobilize actions for sustainable mountain community livelihoods and resilient mountain ecosystems

Recognized by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) since 2015, the Africa Regional Mountains Forum has been held every two years, becoming a cornerstone for advancing sustainable mountain development in Africa. In its 2024 session, the forum focused on two interconnected sub-themes:

• Mountains and Water – Reinforcing the role of mountains as water towers through sustainable management practices.
• Mountains and Climate – Showcasing innovative adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on mountain ecosystems and communities.

The forum plays a critical role in proposing actionable solutions, fostering collaboration, and inspiring commitments to address these pressing issues. By convening representatives from government, civil society, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, and mountain communities, ARMF 2024 serves as a platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and forge partnerships to chart a sustainable future for Africa’s Mountains regions.

Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, Founder and CEO of ARCOS, which hosts the secretariat of the Forum, emphasized the critical need for collective action to address the vulnerabilities of mountain ecosystems:

“ARMF 2024 presented a valuable opportunity to explore how a diverse range of stakeholders, from local communities to governments and the private sector, are working together to address the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems. These collaborative, action-oriented solutions not only respond to local challenges but also align with global efforts for sustainable mountain development. By sharing and scaling up these strategies, we look forward to strengthening local and international collaboration in financial mobilization, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions for a more resilient future”.

Rosalaura Romeo, Coordinator of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, emphasized the forum’s significance in fostering global collaboration:

“Globally, mountains are central to achieving sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. The Africa Regional Mountains Forum 2024 fits into this larger framework by amplifying the voices of mountain communities and addressing the unique challenges they face. Through this forum, we are strengthening international collaboration and advance shared solutions that benefit both local communities and global efforts for sustainable mountain development.”

Driving Forward an Agenda of Change

The Africa Regional Mountains Forum 2024 concluded with a strong commitment to deliver tangible outcomes for the sustainable development of Africa’s Mountain Ecosystems. Over two days of productive discussions, field visits and collaboration, participants outlined a strategic path forward, focusing on:

• Promoting innovative, youth-led climate adaptation solutions.
• Strengthening policies to integrate mountain ecosystem management into national and regional frameworks.
• Encouraging sustainable water and land-use practices to preserve Africa’s critical “water towers.”

The Forum concluded with a resounding call to action for governments, civil society, and the private sector to elevate mountain ecosystems in their development agendas. Participants emphasized the importance of empowering diverse stakeholders—particularly youth—as key actors in building a sustainable future for Africa’s mountains and the communities that depend on them.

About ARMF

The Africa Regional Mountains Forum is convened every two years and organized by ARCOS to advance Africa’s sustainable mountain development agenda. It has become a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, bringing together a diverse network of stakeholders committed to the conservation and sustainable use of mountain ecosystems.