The Access and Conservation Commission

Access to mountains, hills and cliffs is fundamental to the sport of mountaineering and climbing. However, often governments, private land owners or the presence of war restricts our access.

For more information on the UIAA’s work to secure access and the current campaigns of the Access and Conservation Commission, please go to the activity pages. There you will also find our papers and publications.

The Access and Conservation Commission of the UIAA assists the UIAA and its member federations to secure the freedom to practice mountaineering and climbing in ways which are sensitive to environmental, social and legal considerations. Access to the mountains, hills and cliffs is fundamental to the sport of mountaineering and climbing, and it is enshrined in our statutes that the UIAA will promote responsible access and conservation of mountain areas and promote awareness of, and respect for, the environment among all users of mountain terrain.

We in the 21st century are fortunate to live in an age of society's understanding of the importance to health and spiritual well-being of active recreation in regions of outstanding natural beauty. While promoting and achieving free access for recreation to areas of natural beauty we balance the importance of mountain tourism and infrastructure development for local economies and the broader pressure on natural resources.

The most important task of the commission is to debate the issues of access, conservation and modern living in mountain areas, work to achieve mutual understanding and try to resolve problems. For the full text of our mission, objectives and goals please click here and for a list of our members click here.

The Access & Conservation Commission

Back row: Stefano Tirinzoni (CAI Italy), Juan Jesus Ibanez Martin (FEDME Spain)

Middle row: Annie Van de Walle (wife of Marc), Francois Grosjean (CAF France), Jan Bonding (UIAA General Secretary) Joerg Eberlien (Germany – co-opted member), Jeremy Colenso (MCSA South Africa), Robert Pettigrew (Commission President), Marc Van de Walle (BAC – Belgium and Commission Vice President), Alan Blackshaw (Guest and former UIAA President)

Front row: Vlado Linek (Slovakia), Stefan (High Tatras National Park Guide), Clare Bond (BMC UK and Commission Secretary)