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Why do I venerate mountains?
Indeed, I meet the happiest me only there... I never knew why until I heard somebody say that if you really want to feel God’s presence, you have to be in the mountains. And so I felt there, the truth, the peace and plenitude that Nature intended for us, but cannot be found wherever humans have touched and changed this planet. For only high mountains (or some of them!) have not been yet marred by human greed, corruption and deceit. As long as we have the mountains, there is hope and refuge...
“You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a
squirrel of subversion, or challenge the ideology of a violet"
Hal Borland ("Sundial of the Seasons")
Let us not forget that mountains provide life support, goods, services, water and energy to more than half of the world’s population. They are a rich source of minerals and wood, bio-diversity as well as inspiration and enjoyment. In recognition, the United Nations has declared 2002 the International Year of the Mountains. Let us hope that humankind will be able to conserve the fragile mountain ecosystems and promote lasting respect for the wonderful mountain heritage.
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness”
J. Muir
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