UIAA

UIAA Declaration

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UIAA Declaration

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On Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”custom” width_custom=”1550px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22text-align%22%3A%22left%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%221.25rem%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%222rem%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%223rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%223rem%22%7D%7D”]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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22text-align%22%3A%22left%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%221.25rem%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%222rem%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%223rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%223rem%22%7D%7D”]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.

  • (Download) The full declaration as a PDF file
  • (Download) A poster format identifying the declaration’s nine basic norms

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22text-align%22%3A%22center%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%222.25rem%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%223rem%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%223rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%223rem%22%7D%7D”]Main photo credit: Arne Fuglvog[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”custom” width_custom=”1550px” css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22background-color%22%3A%22%2305498b%22%7D%7D”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22text-align%22%3A%22center%22%7D%7D”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”90px”][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22text-align%22%3A%22left%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%222.25rem%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%223rem%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%2C%22padding-top%22%3A%223rem%22%2C%22padding-bottom%22%3A%223rem%22%7D%7D” el_class=”.declaration”]

UIAA DECLARATION ON HIKING, CLIMBING AND MOUNTAINEERING

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]The UIAA considers that the principles laid out in this Declaration are the basic norms that all hikers, climbers and mountaineers should follow:[/vc_column_text][us_separator][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%221.2%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22h1%22%7D%7D” el_class=”title-tue”]ETHICS AND STYLE[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We report the style by which we climb with honesty[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We accept other people’s styles when different from ours[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We will not harm the experience of others while hiking or climbing[/vc_column_text][us_separator][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%221.2%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22h1%22%7D%7D” el_class=”title-tue”]BALANCING RISKS SUCCESS AND FAILURE[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We consider the effect on others before taking risks[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We help others in need, even at the expense of our own goals[/vc_column_text][us_separator][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%221.2%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22h1%22%7D%7D” el_class=”title-tue”]RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We respect the natural ecosystems in climbing areas and mountain regions[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We recognise climate change and seek to reduce our impact[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We adhere to local regulations and respect local communities and cultures[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”%7B%22default%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22%23ffffff%22%2C%22font-size%22%3A%2220px%22%2C%22line-height%22%3A%2228px%22%2C%22font-family%22%3A%22Switzer%20Light%22%7D%7D”]• We support the right of access to the wilderness with responsibility[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row height=”auto”][vc_column][us_separator size=”custom” height=”2px” show_line=”1″ color=”text”][/vc_column][/vc_row]