New global storytelling series brings mountain perspectives into the sustainability conversation

Today, on World Mountains Day, we are pleased to introduce Voices from the Peaks, a new editorial initiative that brings forward stories, insights, and experiences from mountain regions around the world. Through on-site reporting, photography, and conversations with local communities, the series explores how people living in high-altitude environments perceive and navigate the major sustainability challenges of our time.

From Nepal to Peru and across Europe’s mountain ranges, Voices from the Peaks captures perspectives on climate impacts, changing tourism economies, social and gender dynamics, and community-driven innovation. The aim is to shed light on how these communities understand and respond to environmental and social pressures and how their experiences can inspire more effective sustainability communication.

Why focus on mountains?

Mountain regions are ecological and cultural hotspots, yet the realities of those who live there often remain underrepresented in global conversations. These landscapes experience climate change at accelerated rates, carry heavy tourism demands, and face persistent challenges around livelihoods, governance, equity, and cultural preservation.

By sharing insights from people directly affected, we seek to broaden the understanding of what sustainable development looks like in practice and what institutions can learn from it. — Dimitrios Chaidas, Managing Director, DevComm

What readers can expect

Each story in the series may:

• highlight community perspectives and local solutions

• offer analysis relevant to institutions, NGOs, and companies working in sustainability

• connect lived experience to specific SDG dimensions

• provide lessons for public communication and stakeholder engagement

Who benefits from this initiative?

Voices from the Peaks is designed for:

• EU institutions and national governments

• international organisations

• companies delivering environmental and social sustainability projects

• public communication and outreach teams

• actors in sustainable and responsible tourism

• anyone interested in sustainability

Follow the journey

We will publish articles, photo essays, and interviews on our website. Each piece aims to support more grounded, inclusive, and evidence-based communication about sustainable development — informed directly by the people and places where the impacts are most visible.

Photo copyrights: DevComm