UIAA MOUNTAIN PROTECTION AWARD. PROMOTING AND REWARDING GOOD PRACTICES
Article published for International Mountain Day 2016
The UIAA Mountain Protection Award (MPA), supported by Golden Rock Travel and Western University of Azerbaijan, was created in 2013. The Award serves as a platform for showcased initiatives who receive promotion as part of the extensive international UIAA network. Each year, one project claims the annual prize for best initiative, awarded at the UIAA General Assembly.
The Award is a fundamental part of the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission’s commitment to encouraging and supporting the conservation of natural resources, landscapes and diverse cultures in mountain regions. Through the MPA, the Commission specifically focuses on the promotion of positive behaviour and education in mountain tourism and recreation.
Mountain Wilderness, a French-based project dedicated principally to the removal of obsolete manmade facilities in the European Alps, was announced as winner of the 2016 UIAA Mountain Protection Award during a ceremony held at the UIAA General Assembly. Further details about their project can be found here. The 2016 Award showcased 23 projects from 19 different countries on five continents.
Mountain Wilderness, winner 2016 UIAA Mountain Protection Award
The UIAA also recognised the Mount Everest Biogas Project (USA) as the best new initiative and Waste Warriors (India) was confirmed as the 2016 UIAA Mountain Protection Award runner-up.
The UIAA Mountain Protection Award platform is open to member federations, associations and travel agencies working in the mountain environment who are engaged in at least one of the following activities:
- Conservation of biodiversity – including plant and animal species
- Sustainable energy and resource management
- Sustainable waste management and disposal
- Adaptation to/mitigation of effects of climate change
- Protection of the environment through culture and education.
Nominees must also demonstrate engagement and collaboration with local communities to develop a culture of ecotourism initiatives which attract and inspire visitors.
The application process for the 2017 Award opens in March 2017.
Further details about the platform can be found here.
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