Science-Policy-Practice Engagement

Actively participating in multi-stakeholder dialogues and assessments at the science-policy interface is one way for the MRI community to contribute relevant research findings and connect those to policy knowledge needs, while also guiding future research and synthesis activities to better address these needs. Active participation at this interface is not only important in our pursuit of knowledge to “support decision, actions, and transformations to sustainable mountain development” (Adler et al, 2020), but also to support and substantiate advocacy efforts to raise the profile of mountains and mountain research for international policymaking.

As part of our vision and priorities in the 2023-2026 period (Adler et al, 2020), the MRI is participating in, and in some cases coordinating, a number of activities to help facilitate the identification and/or compilation of inputs from across the mountain research community for various science-policy knowledge needs, such as global and/or regional scientific assessments.

Elevating Mountain Visibility

Building on the MRI’s pivotal role in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment (AR6), our commitment extends to similar efforts in AR7, the UN Disaster Risk Reduction Global Assessment Report (UNDRR GAR 2025) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessments. Leveraging workshops and synthesis in both Flagship and Community-led initiatives, the MRI generates outputs directly responding to assessment needs. Collaborations with partners, including the Adaptation at Altitude program and Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA), foster synergy and enhance our effectiveness.

Transformative Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research

Learnings from AR6 guide our focus on explorative and agenda-setting activities, prioritizing resources for transformative inter- and transdisciplinary research. The MRI Governing Body Incubator Projects and mentorship opportunities for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) ensure a robust foundation for future assessments.

Mountain Advocacy

Our contributions go beyond assessments, substantiating thematic advocacy on mountains globally. Shared outputs influence the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and UN Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) Conferences of Parties (COPs), Science and Knowledge Advisory Committee of the Mountain Partnership, and as contributions to the UN Secretary General’s triannual report on Sustainable Mountain Development in 2025.

Anticipate more engagement in the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYPG) 2025, the second WMO High Mountains Summit 2026, and UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme’s World Network of Mountain Biosphere Reserves (WNMBRs) activities.

Anticipated Outputs and Impact

Expect publications, including reports, policy briefs, white papers, data, and scientific papers, along with communications products such as news articles, blog posts, videos, and infographics. The anticipated outcomes involve increased global visibility for mountains, reinforced support for mountain-related initiatives in global policy processes, inclusive engagement opportunities for researchers from under-represented groups, and enhanced capacities among ECRs in science-policy-practice dialogues.

Below is a list of ongoing activities in this period.

Research Contributions by Theme

Climate Change 

Contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and engagement in the UNFCCC process:

 

Sustainable Development 

 

Disaster Risk Reduction 

 

Biodiversity 

Contributions to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, under the coordination of UN Environment and in collaboration with the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment: