International Mountain Society

The International Mountain Society is a scientific mountain research society, with a focus on the ecosustainment of mountains. Based in Bern, Switzerland, the goal of the society (known as the IMS in short) "is to advance knowledge and disseminate information about mountain research and mountain development throughout the world". Memberships are given both to individuals and to organizations;^[1] members include the University of Central Asia, World Wildlife Fund, the Consortium for the Sustainable Development of the Andean Ecoregion (CONDESAN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization branch of the United Nations.^[2] Focus is placed on mountain ecoregions in developing countries. Funding is derived from author fees for publication in its journal, Mountain Research and Development, and from donations from its members and participators.^[1]

The society was initially gathered together by a gathering of peers concerned with overdevelopment on mountains in 1980, however the organization had its roots as far back as 1973, in several workshops on the issue and in the meeting of the German Foundation for International Development in December 1974. Following much discussion, the society was finalized and founded in 1980. It is organized at the top level with a president, past president, two vice presidents, one secretary, one treasurer, and twelve trustees. After four years of membership scientists become eligible for the positions.^[3]

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