News

Mountain protection award proposals accepted

11.03.2016

If the moment has arrived to take your sustainability project to the next level, then please note that the application period for the 2016 UIAA Mountain Protection Award (MPA) is now open. Nomination for the much coveted Award, launched by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) in 2013 and sponsored by Western University and Golden Rock Travel of Azerbaijan, is open to associations and travel agencies working in the mountain environment who are engaged in at least one of the following activities:

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

Nominees must also demonstrate engagement and collaboration with local communities to develop a culture of ecotourism initiatives, which attract and inspire visitors.

Becoming part of the UIAA’s network creates tangible benefits for both the nominees and the Award winner in terms of raising project awareness and support.

Application

Should your project fit the criteria outlined above, you can apply by 15 June 30 June (extended deadline) at:
http://www.mountainprotection.theuiaa.org/initiatives/apply

Once your project is accepted by the UIAA Mountain Protection Award team, it will be promoted on the dedicated project website and through the UIAA’s communication initiatives in the lead up to the 2016 Award ceremony.
The 2016 Award winner will be announced at the UIAA General Assembly in Brixen, Italy on 12-16 October.

The Award

The UIAA MPA was created in 2013 and focuses on the promotion of responsible mountain tourism and the reward of outstanding initiatives from mountain stakeholders (associations and tourism agencies). It helps develop and support community-based tourism that simultaneously contributes to the conservation of ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods for local people.

The project creates international recognition for both nominees and the winner. The recipient of the Award receives a cash grant and the opportunity to present their activities at the UIAA and UIAA partners' events. The Award programme functions as an awareness platform, where initiatives are posted, can attract direct donations and are promoted though the UIAA’s network of 80 national federations and three million members.

Winners are chosen at the UIAA General Assembly every October by the Assessment and Award Team, which coordinates the review and approval/denial of applications of mountain protection initiatives. The Team is composed of internationally recognized experts who are specialists and academics in environment/mountain protection issues, as well as expert members from the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission.

The Award is sponsored by Western University and Golden Rock Travel of Azerbaijan.

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Photo: UIAA/Jeff Pang