The goal of the International Mountain Society (IMS) is to advance knowledge and disseminate information about mountain research and mountain development throughout the world. The IMS aims to promote sustainable mountain development through improved communication among institutions and individuals, with a particular focus on mountain ecoregions in the developing world.

In order to further this purpose, the association publishes a quarterly journal, Mountain Research and Development (MRD). The IMS and MRD's donors cover the costs of operating the journal and its networking activities in excess of the portion covered by publication fees paid by authors of articles published in MRD.

The IMS is an association legally registered in Bern, Switzerland, with institutional and individual membership. It is the copyright holder and publisher of Mountain Research and Development.