EASING OF COVID-19 MEASURES. FURTHER UPDATES FROM UIAA MEMBERS

On 28 May, the UIAA created an online form for members to provide updates regarding the Covid-19 situation in their countries and regions. The tool also offered the opportunity for members to address specific topics and concerns. Members from 37 countries have already contributed to the UIAA Covid-19 portal with updates during the past three months. The below is a summary of recent updates provided by ten UIAA member associations. Specific points raised by members for...

SUPPORTING MEMBERS IN ISSUES OF ACCESS

The months of May and June are traditionally busy with UIAA Commission meetings. Despite the restrictions placed on travel during Covid-19, the UIAA has been able to host a number of important online meetings throughout the past six weeks. In fact many Commissions and groups have met more frequently and with more members present. Proof that the dedication of the volunteers working within UIAA Commissions is as strong as ever. On the weekend of 30-31 May,...

IRAN: RESOURCES FOR CLIMBERS

The following assets (in Persian) have been supplied by Mohammad Havaledar, Vice-President International Affairs, IMSCF (Iran Mountaineering Sports Climbing Federation). They offer brief guidelines for the climbing community before resuming activity. Organizing Educational Classes  Climbing Gyms Mountain Huts Mountaineering Clubs Eco-Camps (English) ...

UPDATE: USEFUL COVID-19 RESOURCES FROM THE UIAA

The UIAA – International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation – remains committed to providing its members and the wider climbing community with the latest information and guidance regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the past few weeks the following updates have been made: The dedicated Covid-19 Crisis Consultation (CCC) Taskforce held its second online meeting on 14 May. A report can be found here. The Taskforce focused closely on the impact of relaxation measures in different countries. An...

COVID-19: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOUNTAIN SPORTS ENDORSED BY THE UIAA

The following guidelines concerning recommendations for mountain sports during Covid-19 are adapted from those originally produced by the German Alpine Club (DAV) on 5 May. The guidance falls closely in line with that of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), and indeed other UIAA member associations, released at a similar time. The UIAA has adapted some of the advice to provide general international guidelines. The advice detailed in this article has been endorsed by the UIAA Medical...

JAPAN: END TO EMERGENCY DECLARATION

The following update has been provided by Hitoshi Onodera, Japan Mountaineering and Sports Association, and member of the UIAA Access Working Group. The statement – translated by Onodera into English - comes from four mountaineering associations - Japan Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Association, Japan Workers’ Alpine Federation, Japanese Alpine Club and the Japan Mountain Guides Association. On 25 May, the Japanese government announced the complete cancellation of the emergency declaration due to the spread of the...

SAFECOM TO LAUNCH NEW MISUSE RESOURCE

The UIAA Safety Commission held an internal meeting meeting on 19 May, to discuss working group updates and plan for its first virtual Plenary meeting. Conducted online, the internal meeting will be followed by the annual plenary meeting held together with climbing equipment manufacturers (UIAA Safety Label Holders) and representatives from accredited laboratories, 8 and 9 June. In addition to Commission members, guests included UIAA Legal Experts Working Group Chair Klara Dvorakova and International Slackline Association (ISA) delegate Oliver Ross. UIAA General Secretary...

NZAC Response to COVID-19

The following update was published by the New Zealand Alpine Club on 15 May. -- The Government’s announcement that we moved to Level 2 on Thursday, 14 May, and the easing of the earlier, planned travel restrictions, means that we are now able to return to the mountains and crags we love so much – provided we follow the Play It Safe directions we have been given. However, the impact of COVID-19 on the New Zealand Alpine Club’s financial position...

EU guidance on how to safely resume travel and reboot Europe’s tourism in 2020 and beyond

The following update comes from the European Commission as was published on 13 May. The PDF version can be downloaded here. -- On 13 May, the Commission presents a package of guidelines and recommendations to help Member States gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen, after months of lockdown, while respecting necessary health precautions. The Commission's guidance aims to offer people the chance to get some well-needed rest, relaxation and fresh air. As soon as...

2019 UIAA ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

The UIAA - International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation - has published its 2019 Annual Report. The digital report provides easier access to key resources - such as UIAA news articles, video content and multimedia assets. Contents include: President's Annual Message A Review of 2019 UIAA General Assembly 2019 UIAA Strategy Process UIAA Financial Report Details on UIAA member associations UIAA Office, Communication & Sponsorship reports Reports from every UIAA Commission (Access, Anti-Doping, Ice Climbing, MedCom, Mountaineering + Training, Mountain Protection, Safety, Youth) as well...