Wild Appalachia: Ice Mountain – WCHS

Report on Ice Mountain: A Case Study in Sustainable Development Goal Integration

Introduction: A Natural Asset Aligned with Global Goals

Ice Mountain, a geological formation in Hampshire County, West Virginia, serves as a significant case study for the application and monitoring of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its unique natural processes, historical community use, and current conservation status provide tangible examples related to climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable communities.

SDG 15: Life on Land – Conservation of a Unique Terrestrial Ecosystem

The primary importance of Ice Mountain lies in its unique ecosystem and the efforts to preserve it, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 15.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection

• The mountain’s cold-air vents create a microclimate that supports rare flora and fauna typically found in more northern regions like New England and Canada.
• This unique biodiversity attracted the attention of The Nature Conservancy, which now manages the site to protect these vulnerable species and halt biodiversity loss (Target 15.5).

Sustainable Management and Access

To protect the fragile nature of the ecosystem, access is strictly controlled, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable land management.

1. Public access is limited to docent-led hikes, preventing degradation of the sensitive environment.
2. These guided tours are typically held on Saturdays at 10 a.m., with occasional special requests handled by a limited number of volunteer docents.
3. This management strategy ensures the long-term protection and restoration of this valuable terrestrial ecosystem (Target 15.1).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Natural and Cultural Heritage

Ice Mountain’s history is intertwined with the local community, showcasing sustainable living practices and the importance of protecting natural heritage as outlined in SDG 11.

Historical Use as a Natural Resource

• Early settlers utilized the mountain’s natural refrigeration effect before the advent of modern technology.
• They constructed spring boxes over the cold vents to preserve perishable goods such as meats and dairy.
• Historical accounts also mention the community harvesting ice from the mountain as late as August for social events, such as making ice cream.

These historical practices exemplify a sustainable relationship between a community and its natural environment, highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4).

SDG 13: Climate Action & SDG 4: Quality Education

The mountain serves as both a natural indicator of climate change and an educational tool for raising awareness about environmental sustainability.

A Barometer for Climate Change

Long-term observations of Ice Mountain provide direct evidence of changing climate patterns, reinforcing the urgency of SDG 13.

• Studies by West Virginia University Emeritus Professor Steven Kite indicate that the duration of ice presence has shortened over time compared to the 1800s.
• While ice was documented in early June of a recent year, the general trend points toward earlier melting, with ice often gone by late July or August.
• This phenomenon serves as a local, observable indicator of global warming, making climate change a tangible issue for the community.

Education for Sustainable Development

The management of Ice Mountain incorporates a strong educational component, contributing to SDG 4, specifically Target 4.7, which promotes education for sustainable development.

• The docent-led hikes provide a platform for educating the public on geology, rare species, conservation, and the impacts of climate change.
• By engaging visitors directly with the fragile ecosystem, The Nature Conservancy fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for environmental protection.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the conservation of a unique terrestrial ecosystem, Ice Mountain. The text highlights the mountain’s “fragile nature,” its role as a habitat for “several rare plants” and “unique plants and animals,” and the conservation efforts by the Nature Conservancy to protect this biodiversity.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article connects to this goal by discussing the observable impacts of a warming climate. Professor Steven Kite notes that the ice on the mountain seems to last for “shorter and shorter periods” over time, which serves as a local indicator of climate change affecting a sensitive natural system.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  This goal is addressed through the educational and research activities mentioned. The article describes the long-term study of the mountain by a university professor and the “docent-led hikes” organized by the Nature Conservancy to educate the public about the mountain’s unique geology, ecology, and fragility.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands…

   The work of the Nature Conservancy in managing and protecting Ice Mountain directly aligns with this target. The article states the organization was attracted to the area because of its unique features and now manages access to ensure its conservation.

2. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

   This target is reflected in the protective measures taken for Ice Mountain. The article mentions the presence of “several rare plants” and describes the ecosystem as having a “fragile nature.” Access is restricted to “designated hike[s]” only, which is a significant action to reduce degradation and protect threatened flora.

3. Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

   The article points to this target through the research and observations of Professor Kite, who has been studying the mountain for years. His finding that the ice is lasting for “shorter and shorter periods” contributes to the knowledge base on local climate change impacts. The educational hikes also raise public awareness of this sensitive, climate-impacted environment.

4. Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development…

   The “docent-led hikes” are a direct form of education for sustainable development. They provide the public with knowledge about a unique ecosystem, the importance of biodiversity, and the need for conservation due to its “fragile nature,” thereby promoting a sustainable lifestyle and appreciation for the environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Targets 15.1 and 15.5: Coverage of protected areas and protection of key biodiversity areas.

  The article implies this indicator by stating that Ice Mountain is managed by the Nature Conservancy and that access is restricted “because of its fragile nature.” This establishes the mountain as a de facto protected area, a key indicator for conservation progress (Official Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type).

• Indicator for Target 13.3: Localized climate change impact observation.

  The observation that “with time it seems to have lasted shorter and shorter periods” serves as an informal, local indicator of climate change impact. Documenting the date by which the visible ice melts each year (“I know there was still ice here in early June… That’s pretty good.”) provides a measurable data point for tracking the effects of warming on the ecosystem.

• Indicator for Target 4.7: Number and frequency of educational programs.

  The article provides a quantifiable indicator for educational outreach by mentioning that the Nature Conservancy leads “docent-led hikes every Saturday at 10 a.m.” and “occasionally on request.” The number of hikes conducted and the number of participants could be tracked to measure progress in educating the public on sustainable development principles.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wchstv.com