For information only - not an official document

UNIS/MA/158
5 December 2016

Re-issued as received

MEDIA ADVISORY

On the occasion of International Mountain Day

UN Environment (UNEP)and its Vienna Office - Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention,the International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC)
GRID-Arendal, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), and Alpenverein Österreich

cordially invite you

to the event

"MOUNTAINS OF WASTE"

Date / Time: 12 December 2016, starting 12.00 hours
Location: Rotunda, Vienna International Centre (VIC)
Wagramerstrasse 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria

Launch of UN Environment's
"Waste Management Outlook for Mountain Regions"

by Ms. Larisa Semernya - Expert, UN Environment and Mr. Bjorn Alfthan - Programme Leader, GRID-Arendal

Speakers include:

Mr. Keith Alverson  - Director, UN Environment - IETC
Mr. Walter Hauer - Board member, Alpine Club Vienna
Ms. Aditi Ramola - Technical Project Manager, ISWA
Mr. Roland Maruna - Expedition leader

The event will be followed by the opening of the "Alpine- Carpathian photo exhibition" (including refreshments)

by Mr. Georg Tappeiner - Photographer, National Geographic and
Mr. Paolo Angelini - Head of Italian Delegation to the Alpine Convention, Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea

followed by the

Film Screening "Waste Mandala"

by A. Bernard & P. Ceretto, 2005, Italy

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As the human footprint on mountains continues to grow globally, so does the amount of waste, which affects the health of mountain communities and ecosystems, tarnishes stunning landscapes, and endangers the supply of clean water  for large downstream populations. There is a strong need to increase knowledge and awareness on waste issues in mountain regions and possible solutions. The "Mountains of waste" event will present key findings from the Waste Management Outlook for Mountain Regions and provide a platform for discussions.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 11 December "International Mountain Day". As of 2003, it has been observed every year to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.

***

Media representatives who wish to attend the event, and who are not accredited to the VIC, should write to press[at]unvienna.org. Please register by 12 noon on Friday, 9 December 2016.

Access to the C-building is via Checkpoint One of the Vienna International Centre.

* *** *

For further information please contact:

Larisa Semernya
Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention
United Nations Environment Programme - Vienna Programme Office
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060 8722
Email: larisa.semernya[at]unvienna.org