Highlands and drylands. Mountains, a source of resilience in arid regions

Dryland mountains are of great strategic value to regional and global development. They provide up to 90% of the freshwater supply to surrounding dry lowlands with more than a quarter of the world's biodiversity hotspots found in drylands mountains. Yet these mountains regions are under increasing threat from climate change and unsustainable forms of land use, including mining and tourism. This publication presents the socio economy and environment of dryland mountains, the current threats they face, and good practice in sustainable development. It concludes with key messages for policy and decision makers.