UIAA statements

The Kathmandu declaration states the UIAA’s views on the protections of mountains. It calls for immediate action, increased education and international cooperation on environmental issues.  It also deals with cultural matters, such as the rights of indigenous people and legal aspects, such as access for the general public to mountain areas. In the years which have passed since the declaration was adopted by the general Assembly in 1982, protection of the mountain environment has become an even more serious issue which needs the attention and action of mountaineers.  

 

This code describes the ethical principles and practice of expeditions before, during, and after an expedition. It emphasises respect for the regulations of the host country and the importance of putting safety first, particularly for porters and other staff from the host country. The code also asks expedition members to give true, objective and precise information about the expedition and to accept their moral obligation to help local people and other expeditions who are in trouble. As described in the Kathmandu declaration mountaineers have a responsibility to leave no rubbish and equipment behind.

 

In connection with the International Year of Mountains 2002, the UIAA published a “Summit charter” describing the values and principles of the organisation and the benefits of mountain sports. This is a document with proposals for cooperation with governments and international bodies in order to promote the contribution of mountaineering, climbing and trekking in achieving sustainable development in mountains.