Mountain ecosystems are both particularly rich and exceptionally fragile. Mountains support one-third of terrestrial species diversity, host half of all 34 global biodiversity hotspots, and provide numerous ecosystem services, including the provision of clean water to half of humankind. Additionally, because of the biogeographic isolation under which they have evolved, mountain biomes also harbor high numbers of endemic species. Yet steep terrain and mountain climate in combination with severe land use pressure cause mountain ecosystems to rank among the most endangered landscapes in the world. Mission The conservation and sustainable use of mountain ecosystems in general and of mountain biodiversity in particular are essential for a sustainable future to humankind. Our mission is to provide a framework to support and foster research on the conservation, management, and sustainable use of mountain biodiversity in a changing world and facilitate the dialogue between communities of researchers, stakeholders, and policy-makers engaged in mountain biodiversity issues. Goals The main goals of GMBA are to: - promote, harmonize, explore, and synthesize scientific research on current and future change in mountain biodiversity and in the provisioning of ecosystem services by mountain regions - facilitate the access to and usage of research outcomes for scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders in charge of the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in mountain regions - provide a framework for bottom-up involvement of policy makers and stakeholders in research efforts