Mountain Forum Annual Report 2008

In 2008, the new strategy was developed with partners and approved by the Board of Directors. Whereas information sharing and mutual support will remain important pillars, support to strategic policy and advocacy processes was identified as an area for increased attention. On behalf of the Mountain Forum Board I like to thank the Swiss Development Cooperation for supporting the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2008-2011, which is the basis for approval for funding by the Swiss Development Cooperation in providing a solid base for realising the Mountain Forum’s objectives.

During the year we have seen the first steps of implementation. The review of the Mountain Forum products and services started with a user-survey in April 2008 and continued with an indepth analysis of the information systems and tools in November 2008. It is meant to optimise user-friendliness and efficiency of the services to be provided in 2009. It is a first step in the development of a shared mechanism for the Mountain Forum Secretariat, regional nodes and partners. It will capitalise on the comparative advantage of a global mechanism to harmonise efforts and information and the strengths of the regional networks.