November 15, 2022
One of the significant segments of the recent UIAA General Assembly (see review here) was the platform provided to the UIAA Commissions, responsible f...
Key Documents
Anyone wishing to register their event as part of the UIAA Respect the Mountains movements is invited to read the guidelines posted above and complete the online form. For any direct questions please contact: mountainprotection@theuiaa.org
UIAA Respect the Mountains
The UIAA incorporated the Respect the Mountains project into its sphere of activities in 2015. Initially an event-based initiative, 18 RTM meet-ups were held between 2016-2018 in nine countries. During this period, 1,500 volunteers collected some 7.5 tonnes of waste.
At the start of 2019, the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission announced that the project would focus more on educational subjects and become an international movement which likeminded projects from across the world could join.
The Respect the Mountains initiative forms part of the UIAA’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and mountain protection. It is governed by the 7 Ways to Respect the Mountains, and aims at:
• Raising awareness about sustainable environmental and socio-cultural practices;
• Setting an example and spreading the word within the outdoor community;
• Preserving mountain ecosystems and cultures for future generations;
• Promoting sustainable mountain recreation, sports and related tourism activities;
• Supporting all generations – young and old – through education and empowerment to be effective sustainable mountaineers now and in the future.
About RTM
The Movement
The Respect the Mountains initiative encourages all mountain stakeholders – UIAA member associations, recreational clubs, resorts, tourists, outdoor companies and all mountain lovers to come together and volunteer at events. The collection of organised events worldwide is referred to as the Respect the Mountains Movement, which can be followed online in the form of a calendar on the UIAA website. Using the UIAA as an international platform, mountaineers from outdoor clubs and member federations, tourists, locals, authorities and businesses interested in making a positive impact come together at their favourite or local mountain area to take action in protecting the mountains!
Your Benefits
The collection of organised events worldwide is referred to as the Respect the Mountains Movement, which can be followed online in the form of a calendar on the UIAA website. Using the UIAA as an international platform, mountaineers from outdoor clubs and member federations, tourists, locals, authorities and businesses interested in making a positive impact come together at their favourite or local mountain area to take action in protecting the mountains! In the process, you will be part of a vibrant international network uniting mountain protection partners from across the world.
#uiaamountains #respectthemountains #mountainprotection
Be Part Of An International Calendar
All mountain recreation and tourism related events organised by a UIAA member associations, their partners, tourist offices and local organizers from the public or private sectors can become part of the Respect the Mountains Movement and be feature on the international calendar. These projects may be of proactive or respond to a specific need, focusing on education or action, in the broad scheme of respecting the mountains and mountain protection. These may include, but aren’t limited to:
• Education on how to respect the mountains
• Best practice workshops
• Training events raising awareness
• Restoration initiatives
• Waste collection/removal in the mountains
• And more
To officially join the movement, please fill out the online registration form (coming soon). Upon endorsement from the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission and the UIAA Office, the event will be posted soon after.
Respect the Mountains Movement: International Calendar
Discover Respect the Mountains events taking place around the world
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How to Respect the Mountains
The UIAA Respect the Mountains project encourages all its national member federations and mountain stakeholders to adopt the 7 Ways to Respect the Mountains practices by following these simple yet effective actions and to build a sustainable future.
1. Book Smart
Why not explore a less known mountain resort/range and travel at low season or off-season? This will have less impact on the mountains in during peak season. Research and book ski holidays based on sustainable practices and ethics of the resort.
2. Travel Wise
UIAA Respect the Mountains encourages tourists to use lower carbon transportation methods. For example, take a bus, train or carpool with friends to the mountains from home. When at the resort, use public transport, walk, hike, bike and skateboard to get around.
3. Support
Seek out and support sustainable businesses that are servicing the mountain tourism industry. Choose skiwear brands, hotels, adventure companies, travel services that are actively contributing towards sustainable development. Buy locally grown produce whilst at the resorts. Be knowledgeable of alternative energy solutions.
4. Be Respectful
Too often the tourist mentality is: ‘This is not my backyard, I don’t care’. This affects how tourists treat locals, culture and the environment. Be respectful of locals and their customs and considerate of other mountain users.
Responsible – Educate yourself on local mountain conditions: research weather forecasts, consult local park services/ or guides, and be well prepared before going into the mountains.
If you plan to leave the ski area boundary, realize that an expensive search and rescue operation can be easily avoided with proper knowledge, guidance, weather forecasts and preparation. If inexperienced, go with a guide.
Always Respect the Mountains.
5. Leave No Trace
Mountain environments themselves are under threat with so many tourists each year. The visiting tourists come for a wide variety of reasons. They seek adrenaline, challenge, enjoyment, connection with other people and the beauty of nature, and more. Flora, fauna and wildlife also live in the mountains, and mountain communities, countries and cities downstream depend on glacial water for their livelihoods.
What you take with you to the mountains (rubbish, plastic), take away with you from the mountains.
Stay on the paths created by local authorities. These have been created and maintained to keep tourists safe, to protect local flora and fauna and avoid unnecessary conflict between wildlife and humans. Also consider this when going off-piste.
6. RRR&U
This is the 21st century. Let’s not ignore the global knowledge, understanding and technologies that are available.
• Reduce your impact
• Reuse items
• Recycle the waste you cannot reuse
• Upcycle what you can to reinvent waste into something of new value
7. Spread the Word
There are few people that visit the mountains that don’t love the mountains. Share your experiences with friends, family, colleagues and business partners.
Inspire, encourage and act as good role models for others so that they too respect the mountains, so that future generations can play, work and enjoy being in the mountains.
Share how this organisation is meeting the need towards a positive, thriving and sustainable mountain tourism industry.
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