NORM 9

We support the right of access to the wilderness with responsibility

The UIAA commits itself to encouraging national associations to support the rights of climbers and mountaineers to maintain and improve the accessibility to mountain and wilderness areas.

Climbing and the enjoyment of the natural environment are essential for the nurturing of the human spirit. There can be few greater joys than accessing wild mountain regions. Most barriers to access are physical and geographical while the obstacles can be political.

Some countries have a ‘right to roam’ enshrined in law and climbers enjoy free access to mountain areas. However, even where there is an established tradition of mountaineering, climbers’ interests often clash with those of landowners, conservation bodies, national parks, industry and sometimes governments. Some of our favourite venues require permits and permissions.

We believe that freedom of access to mountains and cliffs in a responsible and sustainable way is a fundamental right.
We respect access restrictions and regulations agreed with nature conservation organisations and other authorities. Flexibility, dialogue and co-operation is essential. We should negotiate to find solutions satisfactory to all parties.
We consider carefully the broader implications of popularising areas as increased numbers may cause access problems and environmental degradation.
We support the implementation of regulations by sharing and publicising them.