The Mountain Institute (TMI) was founded on the slopes of Spruce Knob Mountain—the highest point in West Virginia—in 1972. TMI has grown significantly since then and is now known for its innovative programs in the world’s highest and longest mountain chains: the Himalayas and Andes. TMI partners with mountain people to transform their livelihoods and protect their cultures which helps conserve vital natural resources for the planet. The Mountain Institute is the only international non-profit focused solely on mountains worldwide, and actively dedicated to mountain communities and their unique environments. 

They developed their signature approach to protecting mountain ecosystems and improving the lives of mountain people during their original focus in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. From the Appalachians, TMI expanded to work in the Himalayas and Andes, establishing regional programs in each. For over four decades, TMI has partnered with mountain communities in on-the-ground collaborations to help them develop greater self-reliance and a broader understanding of their resource-rich, mountain environments. Together they identify their most critical challenges, developing local solutions that help communities adapt and become more resilient, especially in the context of climate change. As a trusted partner with local communities, they advance programs focused on sustainable livelihoods for farmers, women, and remote villages. These improved livelihoods, in turn, help protect fragile mountain ecosystems.