Data are an essential foundation for mountain research, practice, and policy. Historically, largely due to the inhospitable and remote nature of many mountain regions, mountain data have been notoriously scarce, resulting in major gaps in our understanding of these complex socio-ecological systems. Fortunately, mountain regions’ accessibility is improving, and there is a growing appreciation of their importance within the Earth System. Combined with the advent of novel measurement technologies and other facilitating conditions, such as observation networks with common protocols, policies, and commitments to Open Data, the situation is improving rapidly.
Through one of its Flagship Activities, GEO Mountains, the MRI is spearheading efforts to improve the discoverability and accessibility of a wealth of global, transdisciplinary mountain data and information, to integrate and apply these data for positive impacts, and build a coherent and diverse community of mountain data providers and users.
