Mountains have always been a refuge for remarkable animals and plants. Until recently, the rugged landscapes and inaccessibility of these regions have provided shelter from significant human influence, but this situation is changing fast. About 16% of the world’s human population now lives in mountain regions. Mountains are also home to rich natural resources that are increasingly being exploited, most notably water. While global temperatures have risen by an average of 0.7oC since 1980, many mountain regions have
experienced much higher temperature increases. The melting and retreat of mountain glaciers is the most visible change in these regions, but far from the only one. The Vanishing Treasures programme is tackling the climate and biodiversity crises by focusing on three iconic and endangered species in different mountain regions: the snow leopard in Central Asia (Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan), the Royal Bengal tiger in Bhutan, and the mountain gorilla in the Virungas (Rwanda and Uganda). In seeking to conserve these iconic species, the programme also works to conserve the wider mountain habitats and landscapes and to strengthen the resilience of the human communities living there. Within each region, the Vanishing Treasures programme works hand in hand with local communities, national governments, and regional bodies where relevant, as well as with authorities who oversee protected areas.