Mountains are the World’s water-towers and home to about 800 million people and accommodate about 40% of 
the world population. Mountain ecosystems are cherished for being home to wild animals and as centers of 
biological, cultural diversity and traditional ecological knowledge. Majority of mountains and their associated forest 
catchment across the globe are key habitats for wildlife, sources of ecosystem services and important tourist 
destinations for income generation and local communities’ livelihoods.  The importance of mountain ecosystems 
recognized Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which explicitly recognizes the importance and 
vulnerability of mountains ecosystems, hence concerted efforts to protect the same especially through Target 15.1. 
Furthermore, Target 15.4 requires by 2030 to ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems.