Founded in 1972, The Mountain Institute is based in Washington, DC, and has offices and community-based programs in the Andean, Appalachian and Himalayan mountain ranges, partnering with local people to strengthen their communities and to conserve their natural resources and cultural heritage.

Our objectives are to:

* conserve high priority mountain eco-systems,
* increase environmentally and culturally sustainable livelihoods for mountain communities,
* promote support for mountain cultures and issues through advocacy, education and outreach.

The Mountain Institute's community-based conservation and development approach empowers communities living in some of the world's most remote and rugged regions to protect their living environment while enhancing their own livelihoods.