The purpose of the new declaration is twofold:
- To lay out the generally accepted norms for behaviour that the UIAA considers optimal. This includes the ethics and style with which we climb and the environmental and social considerations that we should be aware of.
- To clarify the best practice for climbers and mountaineers from a mountaineering viewpoint. This particularly refers to the style of rock climbs and ascents of “alpine” peaks.
These are a set of recommendations and norms, rather than rules that will hopefully resonate with climbers and mountaineers worldwide.
The 2002 Tyrol Declaration was an excellent document that has served the UIAA and the mountaineering and climbing community very well over the last 22 years and many of the maxims included in that document are still very pertinent and applicable today.
But the world has changed quite dramatically over the intervening period and climbing and mountaineering have changed with it. The developments include the rise of sport and indoor competition climbing, the rapid development of the commercial outfitters guiding clients up major peaks in the greater ranges and the influence of the internet, apps and social media that have revolutionized the availability of information and changed trends. The influence of these developments is being felt worldwide.
One of the biggest developments is climate change. Sustainability guides us all at the UIAA. This is not only about protecting mountain ecosystems but supporting the well-being of local communities and those who depend on climbing and mountaineering for their livelihood. It is about maximizing the positive environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with climbing and mountaineering, to ensure that our sport can thrive and continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations.
Mountaineering practices vary around the world from country to country and culture to culture. None of these variations are right or wrong and are usually simply differences in emphasis.
Climbing and mountaineering can generate positive impacts, supporting peace building, health and well-being, promoting cross-cultural awareness and understanding, fostering pride in cultural traditions and supporting heritage building. It can also help avoid depopulation and urban relocation by creating local jobs and livelihood opportunities, and increase visitor awareness and appreciation of natural, cultural, and historical values and assets in mountains.
It is hoped that this Declaration will contribute to the foundation.
Main photo credit: Arne Fuglvog
UIAA DECLARATION ON HIKING, CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING
The UIAA considers that the principles laid out in this Declaration are the basic norms that all hikers, climbers and mountaineers should follow:
ETHICS AND STYLE
• We report the style by which we climb with honesty
• We accept other people’s styles when different from ours
• We will not harm the experience of others while hiking or climbing
BALANCING RISKS SUCCESS AND FAILURE
• We consider the effect on others before taking risks
• We help others in need, even at the expense of our own goals
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• We respect the natural ecosystems in climbing areas and mountain regions
• We recognise climate change and seek to reduce our impact
• We adhere to local regulations and respect local communities and cultures
• We support the right of access to the wilderness with responsibility
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