Access

 The UIAA believes that everyone should be able to freely hike and climb in mountains all over the world. The opportunity to enjoy beautiful nature is essential to health and spiritual well-being. However, often governments, private land owners or the presence of war restricts our access to mountains. We work with international associations, such as the UN, and lobby governments to lift restrictions.

 

 

We believe the freedom to practice mountaineering and climbing is a right, but with it comes a responsibility to nature and local communities. We respect that in some areas it is necessary with restrictions and regulations, such as on holy mountains, or in areas where wildlife is endangered. Access should then be agreed between climbers, nature conservation organisations and local communities. We support eco friendly facilities and always try our best to leave the mountains like we found them, so that new generations of mountaineers, climbers and local people can enjoy them in the future.

 

The economies of many mountain communities are almost totally dependent on those who come seeking adventure. Therefore we as visitors must support our hosts to achieve sustainable development. We should buy local products and use local services, creating livelihoods for families instead of giving our money to foreign companies. We must be careful not to overuse scarce resources such as water or firewood needed by locals.