Abstract
Mountain areas cover approximately 27% of the Earth’s land surface and are home to around 1.2 billion people, while also sustaining nearly a quarter of the planet’s terrestrial biodiversity. Despite their importance, mountain environments are exposed to a range of climate- and hazard-related risks. Intensifying hazards, including floods, landslides, debris flows, and glacial-lake outburst floods (GLOFs), are increasing disaster risk as more people and essential systems in mountain regions and downstream areas become exposed and vulnerable. In this context, the report argues that ensuring disaster-resilient infrastructure (DRI) in mountain regions is essential for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and the continuity of essential services. Infrastructure systems—such as water supply networks, transportation routes, communication systems, and health facilities—are often highly vulnerable in fragile mountain landscapes where steep terrain, geological instability, and limited accessibility pose challenges. The report emphasizes that relying solely on conventional engineering approaches is no longer sufficient. Given the complexity and interconnectedness of mountain hazards, effective DRI requires a holistic strategy that blends technological innovation, Ecosystem-based Adaptation, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK). Integrating these knowledges can lead to more robust, context-appropriate, and culturally grounded infrastructure solutions. Several major challenges are outlined. These include cascading and compound risks intensified by climate change; governance and financing gaps that hinder long-term investment; and the persistent absence of multi-hazard, risk-informed planning in many mountain regions. The report also highlights the need for sustained maintenance, stronger institutional coordination, and inclusive, equitable policies that ensure the needs and perspectives of diverse mountain populations are represented in decision-making processes. Drawing on global case studies, the publication presents scalable, adaptable solutions—ranging from nature-based interventions and sustainable slope stabilization techniques to improved monitoring systems and innovative design standards tailored to mountain conditions. Ultimately, the report calls for urgent and collective action across global, national, and local levels. It urges increased investment, cross-sector collaboration, and the mainstreaming of risk-informed policies to embed disaster resilience into all stages of infrastructure development. Strengthening DRI in mountain regions is essential not only for protecting mountain populations but also for securing the wellbeing of downstream communities and supporting sustainable development in a rapidly changing climate.