Ethics and Law

Just as every country has its own culture, climbing cultures also vary between countries and regions. Still, we believe it is possible for our members to agree on the essential ethics of mountaineering and climbing. Therefore the UIAA has approved a central guiding document on the ethics, principles and values for our sport.

People practicing mountaineering and climbing may also come across many legal issues. If your country does not have laws giving you access to mountains you cannot go hiking or climbing. Without laws protecting nature, the outdoor environment we enjoy could be destroyed.

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Codes and declarations

The UIAA General Assembly approved the Mountain Ethics Declaration at its annual meeting in October 2009. The document is based on previous codes and declarations. This new declaration deals with issues such as supplementary oxygen and performance-enhancing drugs.

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Legal issues

The UIAA has a Legal Experts Working Group which discusses issues relevant to mountaineering and functions as a forum where our member federations exchange experiences. It also works for the right to do mountain sports, and to raise awareness of laws regarding liability.

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Anti doping

The UIAA adopts and implements the World Anti-Doping (WADA) Programme in its entirety and is responsible for ensuring that all its Member Associations and athletes respect and comply with the Code and all relevant international standards. Read more. It also has its own Anti-Doping Commission.