New Global Report Highlights Urgent Need for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in Mountain Regions

Mountains cover 27% of the Earth’s surface and sustain 1.2 billion people, providing essential biodiversity and freshwater resources. Yet these regions face severe climate-induced hazards—including floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods—that threaten both ecosystems and communities. When mountain infrastructure fails, the impacts cascade far beyond the highlands, disrupting water supplies, health services, food security, and transportation networks downstream.

A new report, led by GLOMOS researchers Lina Rodriguez and Stefan Schneiderbauer, “Shaping Resilience in Mountains: The Case for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure”, highlights the critical need for disaster-resilient infrastructure to safeguard mountain populations and ensure the stability of vital services downstream. Mandated by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and developed in collaboration with GLOMOS, the report consolidates the needs and opportunities for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (DRI) in mountain regions.

The report presents practical examples, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations to integrate resilience into mountain infrastructure systems. Its goal is to catalyze action at global, regional, and national levels, embedding disaster resilience within broader sustainable mountain development and climate adaptation strategies.