The United Nations General Assembly declared 2002 the International Year of Mountains. It assigned the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) the role of lead agency in implementing Chapter 13 of the Agenda 21 (Managing Fragile Ecosystems - Sustainable Mountain Development).

In addition to the FAO, organization and promotion of the IYM 2002 involves many other institutions and organizations (other UN agencies, interagency groups, non-governmental institutions, universities, etc.). So far, National Commissions for the IYM 2002 have been established in 72 countries, comprising the representatives of governments, NGOs and individuals.

Ministry for Environmental Protection and Physical Planning has established the National Commission for Sustainable Development of Mountain Areas, aimed at analyzing and bringing to public attention the problems of Croatian mountain areas (depopulation; overuse of natural resources; global and local pollution of soil, water and air; hazards of the loss of biodiversity; institutional and legislative issues, etc.). It should encourage the dialogue about the possibilities as to how to tackle these problems through sustainable development of mountain areas.