The Mountain Institute's mission is to advance mountain cultures and preserve mountain environments. 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. The Mountain Institute is led by its President and CEO and a 18-member Board of Trustees. The Mountain Institute employs nearly 60 professionals and associates within the U.S. and abroad and supports over 50 project personnel. The annual budget is projected at approximately $3.7 million in FY 2006.