News

Nominations open for Mountain Protection Award

24.05.2018

The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) is now accepting applications for the 2018 Mountain Protection Award. Interested individuals or organizations should submit their nomination by 25 June 2018. The winning project will be announced at the UIAA General Assembly in October and will receive a $5 000 financial grant and communication through the UIAA’s international network.

The Mountain Protection Award is a fundamental part of the UIAA’s commitment to encouraging and supporting the conservation of natural resources, landscapes and diverse cultures in mountain regions. Through the award, the UIAA focuses on the promotion of positive behaviour and education in mountain tourism and recreation, notably in climbing and mountaineering activities.

Recognizing that there are several mountain protection initiatives that stem from great ideas, even if they are not yet fully-fledged projects, the award platform serves as a way to promote good initiatives and projects and thereby support progress towards mountain protection goals. Created in 2013, the annual award has made a tangible difference to mountain lives, communities and the environment. It has enabled people to raise finances to build key infrastructures, conduct vital research and fulfil pending goals; it has also provided an international showcase and communication platform for projects to raise awareness and exchange ideas and initiatives.

To be eligible as a candidate for the award, a project must be supported by a UIAA member federation or an association or travel company working in the mountain environment which engages and collaborates with local communities to develop a culture of sustainable activities, with a mountaineering focus, which attract and inspire visitors. The project must be involved in at least one of the following activities:

• Conservation of biodiversity including plant and animal species
• Sustainable resource management like energy and water
• Sustainable waste management and disposal
• Adaptation to/mitigation of effects of climate change
• Protection of the environment through culture and education

The application form can be completed here. Entry is free of charge and all submissions are sent for approval to the UIAA Mountain Protection Award assessment team.

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