Preserving Mountains, Thriving Culture

Treks up some of the world are most dangerous yet biologically diverse landmarks provide operators and climbers with a bit of a quandary.  The mountains hold sensitive species that must be protected and unique climates that provide locals with valuable resources. Concurrently, mountain tourism also provides social and economic benefits to mountain peoples. However as more and more visitors visit mountain areas, culture and resources are being altered and the landscape is slowly changing.

Soon however, mountain tour operators will be able to provide clients, potential clients, and locals a solid guarantee that the trips they lead have been organized to minimize impact in the sensitive terrain they trek over. The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) is in the process of launching a Mountain Protection Label for mountain tours and organizations based on guidelines and self-assessments concerning management of the types of social and environmental impacts these expeditions may have. These were developed by the United Nations Environment Programme and although some organizations, such as Asian Trekking, may already implement sustainable practices, it allows national standards to be set as well as spur new conversations over other initiatives concerning the protection and management of the mountains.

The UIAA has also been responsible for developing safety standards with the conception of UIAA Safety Label certification, which helps minimize accidents caused by equipment malfunctions.

Check another article we’ve posted on sustainable mountain tourism: Ways To Be a Good Mountain Tourist