The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) believes that climbers and mountaineers can best meet their environmental responsibilities and help safeguard mountain regions and their local communities through actions that include (self) awareness, planning and implementing practical measures, advocacy, and the regular exchange of experiences. However, there are potentially numerous and diverse sustainability objectives to consider, many of which overlap. Therefore, addressing them requires simple and practical actions that serve multiple benefits and are adequately adapted to the specific context.
The Abridged Document: Summary of Actions
Hereafter is the summary of actions with each recommendation being linked to more material that explains background and reasoning (see full UIAA Sustainability Charter), with the cross-references to relevant numbered items found in the full UIAA Sustainability Charter in [square brackets].
These are the key requirements:
Addressing Climate Change
For the UIAA, addressing climate change through actions such as reducing and limiting greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation), increase resilience to the imminent climate-induced changes, impacts and hazards posed in mountain regions (adaptation), and actively engage in advocacy, must be a priority.
At the UIAA organisational level
As signatory to the Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) Initiative of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UIAA commits to measuring and reporting on its carbon footprint (operations and events), including regularly reviewing and improving its data collection and reporting methods to align with best practices endorsed by the UNFCCC [4.4.1].
The UIAA commits to formulating an organisational climate policy within its strategic goals in 2025-2028 that includes mitigation actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with the principles of “avoiding”, “reducing”, and “compensating” for emissions (in that order), and contribute to meeting the set targets posed by the S4CA – i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from a set baseline by 2030, and a long-term target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 [4.4.2].
The UIAA climate policy and activity plans will include and address adaptation actions that are critical for the organisation and its member federations. Such actions may include the revision and update of technical climbing and mountaineering guidelines and raise awareness of changing objective risks affected by climate-related hazards. These actions are supported by communication, education, and support for skills training [4.4.3, 4.4.4].
Together with key partners and stakeholders, the UIAA commits to engage in external advocacy in global (policy) processes, thereby promoting the voice of mountaineers in key deliberations and decisions that are taken in and for mountains [4.4.4].
As signatory to the Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) Initiative of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UIAA commits to measuring and reporting on its carbon footprint (operations and events), including regularly reviewing and improving its data collection and reporting methods to align with best practices endorsed by the UNFCCC [4.4.1].
The UIAA commits to formulating an organisational climate policy within its strategic goals in 2025-2028 that includes mitigation actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with the principles of “avoiding”, “reducing”, and “compensating” for emissions (in that order), and contribute to meeting the set targets posed by the S4CA – i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from a set baseline by 2030, and a long-term target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 [4.4.2].
The UIAA climate policy and activity plans will include and address adaptation actions that are critical for the organisation and its member federations. Such actions may include the revision and update of technical climbing and mountaineering guidelines and raise awareness of changing objective risks affected by climate-related hazards. These actions are supported by communication, education, and support for skills training [4.4.3, 4.4.4].
Together with key partners and stakeholders, the UIAA commits to engage in external advocacy in global (policy) processes, thereby promoting the voice of mountaineers in key deliberations and decisions that are taken in and for mountains [4.4.4].
As signatory to the Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) Initiative of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UIAA commits to measuring and reporting on its carbon footprint (operations and events), including regularly reviewing and improving its data collection and reporting methods to align with best practices endorsed by the UNFCCC [4.4.1].
The UIAA commits to formulating an organisational climate policy within its strategic goals in 2025-2028 that includes mitigation actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with the principles of “avoiding”, “reducing”, and “compensating” for emissions (in that order), and contribute to meeting the set targets posed by the S4CA – i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from a set baseline by 2030, and a long-term target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 [4.4.2].
The UIAA climate policy and activity plans will include and address adaptation actions that are critical for the organisation and its member federations. Such actions may include the revision and update of technical climbing and mountaineering guidelines and raise awareness of changing objective risks affected by climate-related hazards. These actions are supported by communication, education, and support for skills training [4.4.3, 4.4.4].
Together with key partners and stakeholders, the UIAA commits to engage in external advocacy in global (policy) processes, thereby promoting the voice of mountaineers in key deliberations and decisions that are taken in and for mountains [4.4.4].
As signatory to the Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) Initiative of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UIAA commits to measuring and reporting on its carbon footprint (operations and events), including regularly reviewing and improving its data collection and reporting methods to align with best practices endorsed by the UNFCCC [4.4.1].
The UIAA commits to formulating an organisational climate policy within its strategic goals in 2025-2028 that includes mitigation actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with the principles of “avoiding”, “reducing”, and “compensating” for emissions (in that order), and contribute to meeting the set targets posed by the S4CA – i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from a set baseline by 2030, and a long-term target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 [4.4.2].
The UIAA climate policy and activity plans will include and address adaptation actions that are critical for the organisation and its member federations. Such actions may include the revision and update of technical climbing and mountaineering guidelines and raise awareness of changing objective risks affected by climate-related hazards. These actions are supported by communication, education, and support for skills training [4.4.3, 4.4.4].
Together with key partners and stakeholders, the UIAA commits to engage in external advocacy in global (policy) processes, thereby promoting the voice of mountaineers in key deliberations and decisions that are taken in and for mountains [4.4.4].
At a Member Federation level
Formulate their own policies and actions to reduce their carbon footprint, adapt to climate impacts and risks [4.4.5].
Inform and support their individual members in reducing their carbon footprint and adapting to the negative impacts of climate change to climbing and mountaineering [4.4.6].
Share with the UIAA and with other UIAA members experiences and lessons regarding methods to reduce organizations’ carbon footprint including mitigation, adaption and compensation techniques [4.4.7].
Formulate their own policies and actions to reduce their carbon footprint, adapt to climate impacts and risks [4.4.5].
Inform and support their individual members in reducing their carbon footprint and adapting to the negative impacts of climate change to climbing and mountaineering [4.4.6].
Share with the UIAA and with other UIAA members experiences and lessons regarding methods to reduce organizations’ carbon footprint including mitigation, adaption and compensation techniques [4.4.7].
Formulate their own policies and actions to reduce their carbon footprint, adapt to climate impacts and risks [4.4.5].
Inform and support their individual members in reducing their carbon footprint and adapting to the negative impacts of climate change to climbing and mountaineering [4.4.6].
Share with the UIAA and with other UIAA members experiences and lessons regarding methods to reduce organizations’ carbon footprint including mitigation, adaption and compensation techniques [4.4.7].
More detail on the background information, foundational and source document on climate change can be found in the full UIAA Sustainability Charter; in particular for this topic see Section 2 and 3 [2.1 and 3.1 – 3.4].
Reducing Impacts to the Natural Environment
Travel through and in awe-inspiring places is an essential element in climbing and mountaineering experiences. Climbers and mountaineers should endeavour to keep those places pristine by reducing their impact on the natural environment, and support efforts to help restore mountain ecosystems.
At the UIAA organisational level
The UIAA will continue using existing and developing new projects that educate and enable member federations on reducing the environmental impacts of climbing and mountaineering while providing opportunities and resources to its member federations to engage and participate in this learning [4.5.1].
The UIAA will support educational work to develop understanding of the character and value of mountain environments by incorporating environmental education into certification and training programmes for climbing and mountaineering leaders and instructors [4.5.2].
The UIAA will continue using existing and developing new projects that educate and enable member federations on reducing the environmental impacts of climbing and mountaineering while providing opportunities and resources to its member federations to engage and participate in this learning [4.5.1].
The UIAA will support educational work to develop understanding of the character and value of mountain environments by incorporating environmental education into certification and training programmes for climbing and mountaineering leaders and instructors [4.5.2].
At a Member Federation level
Member federations should educate their members on making well-informed and responsible choices when climbing and mountaineering including, but not limited to, the following: minimizing physical impact on the environment, helping to restore mountain ecosystems, and sharing experiences around implementing these educational initiatives with the UIAA and other member federations[4.5.3, 4.5.4]
More detail on the background information, foundational and source document on environmental impact reduction can be found in the full UIAA Sustainability Charter; in particular for this topic see Sections 2 and 3 [2.1 and 3.5 – 3.12].
Reducing Social Impacts and Promoting Positive Social Change
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
Freedom of access, exercised with responsibility, is an integral element of climbing and mountaineering and the spirit of adventure [4.6].
The UIAA encourages member federations to advocate for the protection of public land in their respective countries and regions. The UIAA will assist member federations when requested and resources allow [4.7].
Through its member federations, the UIAA supports, where necessary, regulatory arrangements, which are acceptable to mountaineering interests and biodiversity conservation, are scientifically based, and are applied equitably, preferably under voluntary agreement arrangements [4.7].
The UIAA advocates and encourages its member federation to promote reasonable and realistic measures by which climbers and mountaineers contribute directly to the economic prosperity and environmental well-being of Indigenous and local communities [4.8].
The UIAA recognises that travel to mountain destinations has an impact on the local residents, and encourage mountaineers to treat residents with respect, dignity, and support their well-being [4.9].
The UIAA encourages support and fair treatment of and conditions for local workforce [4.10].
The UIAA recognises the far-reaching consequences and influence that climbing and mountaineering can have, beyond its own community. Active engagement is pursued with relevant stakeholders that operate along the mountain tourism and recreation value chain [4.11].
The UIAA promotes consultation among member federations and other mountaineering federations and organisations, citizen groups, governments, and international organisations on land use policies which affect mountain areas and access for climbing and mountaineering [4.12].
The UIAA will support its member federation in advocating for the creation of inclusive and physically accessible trails and places to climb [4.13].
The UIAA will work on persuading policy and decision makers that mountains and mountain people are important, and responsible mountaineering is an activity deserving of the highest levels of support [4.15].
More detail on the background information, foundational and source document on social impacts and cross-cutting topics to promote positive change in climbing and mountaineering can be found in the full UIAA Sustainability Charter; in particular for this topic see Sections 2 and 3 [2.1 and 3.13 – 3.17].