Emily Walker | Mountain magic and cloud forests

Last week marked International Mountain Day, and there is no better place to honour it than in the Caribbean — where towering peaks and lush valleys hold the secrets of ancient ecosystems. While many visitors flock to the region’s world-famous beaches, it is the Caribbean mountains that tell the true story of this stunning place.

Take Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, for example. Known for their coffee plantations and breathtaking views, these mountains aren’t just a pretty view — they are an ecosystem teeming with unique flora and fauna. The Blue Mountains is a natural sanctuary, home to over 200 species of birds, including the endangered Jamaican Blackbird.

Then there is Dominica, the ‘Nature Island’, where volcanic peaks like Morne Diablotins rise above the clouds. This mountain is not only the highest point in the country but also a vital hub of biodiversity, with endemic species like the Sisserou Parrot, one of the rarest birds on Earth.

Let’s not forget the world-famous Pitons of St Lucia — two towering volcanic spires that rise dramatically from the Caribbean Sea. These UNESCO World Heritage peaks are a stunning reminder of the region’s volcanic past and an incredible haven for marine life, providing a contrast between the rich, green highlands and the pristine coastal waters below.

Across the Caribbean, mountains aren’t just scenic backdrops — they are living, breathing ecosystems. The intricate interplay of mountains and valleys creating a vibrant tapestry of life found nowhere else in the world, from lush rainforests to hidden waterfalls, making these islands much more than just beach destinations.

CLOUD MOUNTAINS

Caribbean ranges are often described as cloud mountains — unique high-altitude regions where the terrain is frequently enveloped in mist or clouds, especially at their peaks. These mountains create ideal conditions for ‘cloud forests’ — dense, moist forests that thrive in the persistent fog and humidity.

The varying altitudes, slopes, and ridges of cloud mountains generate multiple micro-climates, which, in turn, support a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Species here adapt to very specific niches, making these regions some of the most biologically diverse on Earth.

These mountains play a crucial role in the region’s water distribution. As moist air rises and cools, it condenses into clouds, which contribute to rainfall that nourishes both the cloud forests and surrounding ecosystems. The high-altitude terrain influences the amount and distribution of rainfall, which is vital for the island’s water supply and overall hydrological cycle.

CLIMATE CHANGE BAROMETERS

However, cloud forests are extremely sensitive to climate change. Shifts in precipitation and cloud cover pose significant threats. Climate change can alter when and where rain falls, as well as the amount of rain received, leading to droughts or floods — conditions that cloud forests cannot easily withstand. Additionally, these forests depend on consistent cloud cover and cool, moist air. If climate change causes these clouds to diminish or shift, the entire ecosystem could be destabilised.

Cloud forests — also known as elfin woodlands or mossy forests — are adapted to the unique high-altitude conditions. With stunted, gnarled trees and slow growth, these forests can take centuries to regenerate, with biomass recovery estimated to take 200-300 years. These fragile ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions such as water scarcity, flooding, and erosion caused by climate change.

In the Caribbean, cloud mountains are vital ecological hubs, supporting local communities and diverse wildlife. Their protection is essential not only for biodiversity but also for the broader environmental health of the region. As climate change exacerbates the risks they face, including landslides, erosion, and altered hydrological patterns, it becomes even more urgent to safeguard these natural “water towers”.

So while it is all about mountains, we recognise that we need to protect the trees and forest that cover them. One way you can play your part in that is by donating to EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project. Your donation allows us to plant trees in vulnerable locations around the world, and every tree counts.

Emily Walker is education coordinator at EARTHDAY.ORG. Send feedback to walker@earthday.org and columns@gleanerjm.com.