Nepalese post-earthquake recovery programmes, a waste management scheme on Patagonia, clean climbing on Denali and brown bear conservation in Bulgaria. Just some of the diverse projects from some 15 countries to have applied for the 2017 UIAA Mountain Protection Award.
Now in its fifth year, application for the 2017 Award closed on 14 July and the response from the mountain community was again impressive with 26 initiatives put forward. Projects represent a range of spheres including climate change, conservation of biodiversity, culture and education, waste management and sustainable use of resources and consumption of energy.
During its five years of existence, the annual UIAA Mountain Protection Award has made a tangible difference to mountain lives, communities and the environment. It has enabled people to raise finances to build key infrastructures, conduct vital research and fulfil pending goals; it has provided an international showcase and communication platform for projects to raise awareness and exchange ideas and initiatives. Not only has it supported local communities, it has fostered its own global community. The Award celebrates innovation and a desire to make a difference.
The UIAA Mountain Protection Award Assessment Team is currently assessing all submitted projects. Once approved nominees will be notified and projects profiled on the UIAA website, through newsletters, and across social media to an international network. Projects will also be awarded the UIAA Mountain Protection Award nominee logo.
The UIAA thanks all nominees, including those submitted by member federations, for their interest in, and support of, the UIAA Mountain Protection Award.
The winning project will be announced at the 2017 UIAA General Assembly in Tehran, Iran on Saturday, 21 October and receive a cash grant of 5,000 USD.
For more information please visit the dedicated UIAA Mountain Protection Award pages.
Main photo credit: Griselda Moreno.
