FS 3.158: African Mountains

On the global platform, Africa’s mountains are unique. Africa’s mountains are scattered “archipelago-like” systems different from continents that are characterized by continental, linear mountain systems. Disjunction over 35oN to 35oS has allowed for a rich assemblage of unique mountain biodiversity, widely varying mountain climates and vegetation, and diverse local mountain cultures and livelihoods. One of the characteristic features of African mountains is that – perhaps, with the exception of some eastern African mountains – they are relatively poorly studied in all disciplines (notably the humanities), and hardly feature at a continental scale in co-ordinated global mountain data initiatives. While the historical mystique of Africa’s mountains may still hold sway over the public, there is nothing mysterious about the risks and challenges facing African mountains, their people, their biodiversity, and the essential goods and services they provide. We propose a Focus Session for better integrating African mountains into the global knowledge and policy economy, as well as for stronger African continental co-operation, building on successes at regional level.