The Kathmandu Declaration on Mountain Activities
The Kathmandu Declaration on Mountain Activities highlights the importance of preserving the environment and promoting sustainable tourism in mountain areas. It recognizes the rights of local communities and their cultures, and emphasizes the need for responsible mountaineering practices. The declaration also stresses the importance of safety in mountain activities and the need for appropriate equipment and training. In addition, it calls for international cooperation and communication to address issues related to mountain activities. The Kathmandu Declaration on Mountain Activities remains an important reference for the mountaineering community, and serves as a reminder of the crucial role that responsible practices play in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of mountain regions.
The International Mountaineering And Climbing Federation
UIAA meets in Kathmandu from the 10th October to 16th October, 1982 for its 44th General Assembly and celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its founding.
It was for the first time in the history of UIAA that such an important meeting was held in Asia-most appropriately in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.
Hundred and thirty five delegates from twenty six countries exchanged ideas and experiences on various problems related with mountaineering activities.
On evaluating the problems pertaining to the mountains, an new consensus has emerged in the conference. The UIAA General Assembly has resolved to adopt the following principles and guidelines as a programme for concrete action to be henceforth called the Kathmandu Declaration on Mountain Activities.
THE KATHMANDU DECLARATION ON MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
ARTICLES OF THE DECLARATION
1. There is an urgent need for effective protection of the mountain environment and landscape.
2. The flora, fauna and natural resources of all kinds need immediate attention, care and concern.
3. Actions designed to reduce the negative impact of man’s activities on mountains should be encouraged.
4. The cultural heritage and the dignity of the local population are inviolable.
5. All activities designed to restore and rehabilitate the mountain world need to be encouraged.
6. Contacts between mountaineers of different regions and countries should be increasingly encouraged in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect and peace.
7. Information and education for improving the relationship between man and his environment should be available for wider and wider sections of society.
8. The use of appropriate technology for energy needs and the proper disposal of waste in the mountain areas are matters of immediate concern.
9. The need for more international support – governmental as well as non-governmental – to the developing mountain countries, for instance, in matters of ecological conservation.
10. The need for widening access to mountain areas in order to promote their appreciation and study should be unfettered by political considerations.
Kathmandu October 1982
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAINEERING AND CLIMBING FEDERATION
UNION INTERNATIONALE DES ASSOCIATIONS D’ALPINISME
