Get involved with mountain clean-up events in your region.
Following the success of the inaugural 2016 Series, the UIAA, with the support of its member federations and project partner KEEN,
has put in place a calendar of 2017 Respect the Mountains events.
The UIAA Respect the Mountains Series is twofold, designed as a direct action programme aimed at cleaning mountainous areas of waste; secondly about educating all mountain users about the importance of good practices through the project’s guiding principles: the 7-Ways to Respect the Mountains.
2017: A global cause and education
In 2017, the UIAA, its member federations and project partner KEEN, have the shared goal of expanding the Respect the Mountains Series, both in terms of the number of events and their impact. The focus is not simply on clearing mountains and outdoor spaces of waste but engaging all mountains users, individually and collectively, to take more responsibly for their actions and in turn become ambassadors for mountain protection. UIAA Respect the Mountains events are a one-day experience which combine hard work, education, fun mountain-based activities and an emphasis on social interaction.
Dr Carolina Adler, President of the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission, explains the importance of projects like Respect the Mountains. “The issue of waste and pollution in mountains is a chronic problem. The clean-up events that are part of the RTM series ensure we first highlight and address this problem through action on the ground. This is very important, given the visible and immediate positive impact that these actions have in cleaning our mountain space. However, we cannot continue to do this in isolation of concerted education and awareness raising efforts for how and why we need to stop waste from accumulating in the first place. Through an emphasis on education in this year’s series, we hope to give impetus and importance to the need for positive behavior change as one of many long-term strategies to reduce the impact of waste in mountains. This is also an invitation to the mountaineering community to become more vocal and participate on debates regarding measures to address waste disposal and management – sometimes these are not necessarily appropriate or practical for mountaineers to adhere to! This is valuable knowledge to contribute with, for policy makers and the authorities to take on board in the design of waste disposal measures in the first place. It is about being proactive with solutions in collaboration with our community as well.”
Provisional 2017 Calendar
The 2017 UIAA Respect the Mountains calendar is continually being updated and currently comprises ten events in eight countries, including the first RTM meet held outside of Europe, part of the UIAA’s drive to make the Series an truly international affair. Many events are organized in conjunction with UIAA member federations.
UIAA member federations wishing to organise Respect the Mountains event as part of the 2017 Series are invited to contact: mountainprotection@theuiaa.org and download the accompanying information document.
Brasov area, Romania – 13 May. Event Report.
Schauinsland region, Germany – 28 May
Manitoba, Canada – 24 June
Biella, Italy – 16 July
Champorcher, Italy – 16 July
Ötztal, Austria – TBC, August
Fiastra, Italy – 27 August
Tignes, France – 31 August
Tenerife, Spain – 22/23 September
North Wales – 30 September
Event-specific programmes and details will be posted to the Respect the Mountains page on the UIAA website in due course.
2016: An immense effort
The 2016 UIAA Respect the Mountains Series, partnered by KEEN and the first organised by the UIAA, was held from May-September and comprised nine events in eight European countries, many involving the direct support of UIAA member federations. Waste clean-up operations took place in a diverse panorama of European tourist destinations, from sun-baked Tenerife to Romania’s wild Carpathian Mountains; from the imperious Mount Kazbek to the popular, world-renowned resorts of the French Alps. Over 600 volunteers, many families, united to walk over 3,300 kilometres in clearing five tonnes of waste from European slopes. For further details on the 2016 series please click here.
Educational Element: Seven Ways to Respect the Mountains
The UIAA will focus the communication of the 2017 season around education, and specifically the messages behind the 7-ways to Respect the Mountains. Each event will have a dedicated focus.
For further details please click here.
Contacts
Full details on the UIAA Respect the Mountains Series can be found here.
To enquire about more information related to UIAA Respect the Mountains events please contact mountainprotection@theuiaa.org
Project Partner
KEEN INC.
Inspired by a love of the outdoors, KEEN Inc. manufacturer of hybrid outdoor and casual products, including footwear, bags and socks, is dedicated to creating quality products that support the lifestyles and outdoor adventures of active people around the world. KEEN products can be found online and through more than 5,000 retail locations in more than 60 countries, as well as in KEEN Garage retail stores in Portland, Palo Alto, Tokyo, Prague and Toronto, where fans can enjoy the branded experience. The company operations and culture reflect a stand-out commitment to building a strong community and a healthier planet so that all can create, play, care.
