In Memoriam
Prof. Dr. Jack D. Ives
IGU – Commission of Mountain Studies
Jack D. Ives was born on October 15, 1931 in Grimsby, England, studied geography at the University of Nottingham, immigrated to Canada and received his PhD from McGill University in Montreal in 1956. He walked a path from mountain geomorphology and glaciology to the interdisciplinary study of mountains as the founder of the concept of montology.
Jack D. Ives’ key initiatives include the establishment of the Mountain Agenda, the drafting of Chapter 13 of the 1997 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the designation of 2002 as the International Year of Mountains by the United Nations, the establishment of the International Mountain Association, and his role in the creation of the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI). His numerous studies and pioneering initiatives, including with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ICIMOD and FAO, have been instrumental in shaping international policy on mountain conservation, and his work within the IGU has helped raise awareness of the importance of mountains in global development agendas, drawing attention to the unique challenges faced by mountain ecosystems and communities worldwide. Prof. Jack D. Ives founded and edited for many years two peer-reviewed journals, ‘Arctic and Alpine Research’ (1969) and ‘Mountain Research and Development’ (1981).
Jack D. Ives’ long-term work at the IGU has played an important role in shaping the global discourse on mountain environments. In 1972 he took over the chairmanship of the Commission on High Altitude Geoecology from Carl Troll (president of the International Geographical Union 1960-1964), who had established the Commission during the 1968 International Geographical Conference (New Delhi), and alternated with his colleague Bruno Messerli (president of the International Geographical Union 1996-2000), until 1996. This role has drawn him increasingly into mountain studies and he has left an indelible mark in promoting geographical research on mountains and sustainable development within the IGU. Under his leadership, the Commission focused on interdisciplinary research and worked to improve global understanding of the importance of mountain ecosystems.
Jack D. Ives’ contributions have been honored with many awards, including the King Albert I Gold Medal (2002), the Royal Geographical Society Patron’s Medal (2006), the Icelandic Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Falcon (2007), and Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Heritage Medal Lifetime Achievement Award (2015) was presented to him to recognize lifetime achievement in mountain research and development. Shortly before his death, he was awarded a Diploma by the Commission for Mountain Studies (CMS) of the International Geographical Union (IGU) at the 35th International Geographical Congress in Dublin and Honorary Membership of the CMS.
It is with great sadness that the International Geographical Union Commission of Mountain Studies received the news of the passing of its Honorary Member Jack D. Ives, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all. His memory will always be with us, like the wind blowing from the summit of the mountains.
With deepest sympathy
On behalf of the Commission of Mountain Studies (CMS)
Other Tributes:
Mountain Research and Development: In memoriam: Jack D. Ives, founding editor of MRD
ICIMOD: In Memoriam: Professor Jack Ives (1931–2024)
AAG: John (Jack) Ives 1931 – 2024
Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research:In Memoriam Jack Ives
FAO Mountain Partnership: A pioneer in mountain research and advocacy
Ottawa Citizen Obituaries: John David IVES (Jack) October 15, 1931 – September 15, 2024
