The UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – is delighted to confirm the 12 nominees for the 2023 UIAA Mountain Protection Award, the federation’s flagship sustainability project which marks its tenth anniversary this year. The MPA has been partnered by the Bally Peak Outlook Foundation since 2019.
Nominated projects come from nine countries as well as one whose work spans the Alpine region. Four different continents – Asia, Europe, North America and South America – are represented. A significant number of the projects this year focus on direct action to tackle climate change and to raise awareness about its impacts, while highlighting mitigation and adaptation measures. Innovative ideas on repurposing waste, properly recycling it and going waste free have been proposed as part of this year’s MPA. A project from the United States examines the impact climate change has had on ice climbing seasons and on those working as guides. Many applicants focus on tying in the local community with the vision to establish initiatives that could be upscaled and potentially replicated by UIAA member associations and their clubs.
The 2023 UIAA MPA nominees are:
Argentina: Apus Aventuras by Mariela del Valle Flores
Brazil: Gear Tips Recycling Program by Gear Tips
Ecuador: 8vos a los 30s by Mountains Beyond Borders
Europe (the Alps): Climbing4Climate by Roeland van Oss
Ireland: Repurposing windfarm blades by Clare Local Development Company
Ireland: Croagh Patrick Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration Project by Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group
Nepal: Replacing fossil fuel consumption at Mt Everest Base Camp by Nepal Mountaineering Association
The Philippines: Sierra Madre Nature Trail by University of the Philippines Mountaineers
Switzerland: Wilderness-friendly Energy Transition by Mountain Wilderness Switzerland
Türkiye: Sustainable Mountaineering for Uludag by Nokta Mountaineering Sport Club
United States: Mount Washington Valley Climate Case Study by The American Alpine Club
Worldwide: Climate Statement – Elite Swiss Climbing National Team by Swiss Alpine-Club
All projects will be showcased on the UIAA website and social media channels over the coming weeks.
The overall winner will be confirmed at the UIAA General Assembly in Trabzon, Türkiye on 21 October. Preceding this announcement earlier in October will be the announcement of the Best New Initiative and Runner-Up.
All projects nominated for the UIAA Mountain Protection Award receive close support and promotion from the UIAA during their lifecycle. During the coming weeks, the UIAA will also publish a series of progress reports from recent winners of the MPA.
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Main photo courtesy of Nepal Mountaineering Association
