UIAAACCESS AND CONSERVATION

COMMISSION

Presentation to the Council Meeting in MatsomotoFriday 5th October 2007

UIAA - ACCESS AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION

THE TEAM WHICH DEVISED ARGEO’S CHARTER

UIAA - ACCESS AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION

ARGEO’S CHARTER

GUIDELINES FOR A SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN TOURISM IN COUNTRIES WITH FUTURE

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

ARGEO’S CHARTER

GUIDELINES FOR A SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN TOURISM IN COUNTRIES WITH FUTURE

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

Argeo is the ancient latin name for mount Ercyes, Kaiseri, Turkey

Guidelines paragraphs

The Aim is to try and ensure that Countries where mountain tourism is in its infancy may avoid the common errors and omissions which have marred a century of development in the classical Alpine regions of Europe

1) Understanding and protecting the environment

2) Preserving the cultural identity

3) Tourism in the mountains

• Water protection

• Biodiversity

• Solid waste

• Liquid waste

• Typical agriculture

• Railways and roads

• Human presence

• Ski

UNDERSTANDING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Water Protection

Water in the mountain is a uniquely precious resource

Streams and waterfalls characterise mountain landscapes

It is important to guarantee constant and abundant quantities of water in them

Extraction policies for hydroelectric usage need to be well estimated

In any case, a constant and abundant quantity of water must always be guaranteed

Falling water in Valmasino Central AlpsFalling water in Valmasino Central Alps

Biodiversity

In most mountainous regions there is a HIGH LEVEL of biodiversity

The biodiversity is PRECIOUS and has to be guaranteed

The development of mountain tourism must NOT ENDANGER the specific biodiversity

Predarossa peat-bog Disgrazia Group Central AlpsPredarossa peat-bog Disgrazia Group Central Alps

Solid waste must always be properly and hygienically dispersed

“Sky dumps” must always be controlled and managed

River bank dumping prohibited because rain or flood will transport garbage downhill causing severe pollution problems

Waste and rubbish not elimimated on the mountains, must be transported to the valley floor

Solid Waste

It is essential that liquid waste is collected and channelled to purification plants

Pollution of water courses must always be avoided

At high altitude, where it is impossible to use biological purification, special plants must be created or waste contained in special tanks transported by helicopter to the valley floor

Liquid Waste

Typical cultivations:

- need to be encouraged

- both form and characterize the landscape, culture and history of the mountains

- create habitats for wildelife

- contribute to the biodiversity

Typical Agriculture of High Mountain Pastures

Mazeri, Svaneti, Caucasus, GeorgiaMazeri, Svaneti, Caucasus, Georgia

Roads should facilitate access to the mountains

Where it is possible railways are always preferable to roads

The fewer cars you have, the better it is for the environment

The construction of new infrastructures in the mountains must be evaluated avoiding damage to the natural environment

Railways and Roads

Red train, Engadina, Central AlpsRed train, Engadina, Central Alps

People living in mountains always modify the environment

Paths, roads, bridges, houses, churches, castles, fortresses, and villages are all contributers to the CULTURAL IDENTITY of a population

They must be preserved and never destroyed

To restore these constructions without destroying them is possible using modern techniques

Local training in traditional crafts should be strongly promoted and encouraged

Local designers and workers should be taught to use typical materials and to employ methods and techniques of traditional architecture

Human Presence in the Mountains

Towerhouse, Mestia, Svaneti, GeorgiaTowerhouse, Mestia, Svaneti, Georgia

Ski-lifts, cable cars, ski-slopes and fences have improved the economic conditions of mountain areas

They do not have to disfigure the landscape

They should be located in consultation with communities and other user groups

Their construction does not preclude other activities such as mountaineering, ski-touring, climbing and trekking

Ski Grounds

Stelvio National Park, Central AlpsStelvio National Park, Central Alps

Tourists in the mountains desire to experience traditional cultures

Typical languages, clothes, handicrafts… must be well preserved

Social and economic development must be designed to harmonise wifh the landscape and to protect natural features.

PRESERVING THE CULTURAL IDENTITY

Kharagauli Nationalpark, GeorgiaKharagauli Nationalpark, Georgia

Economic development:

• balance must be maintained

• economic wellbeing and globalization must prevent the destrucion of local cultures and the environment

Equal opportunities for the population of mountain regions:

• to preserve local traditions without converting mountain scenery into theme parks

• Mountain communities need modern facilities

PRESERVING THE CULTURAL IDENTITYFocus on:

Poschiavo Village, Central Alps, SwitzerlandPoschiavo Village, Central Alps, Switzerland

The promotion of local cultures and skills

• young people must study local history and typical traditions

• Historical and ethnographic research must be supported by books and audiovisual aids

The promotion of typical handicrafts:

By the creation of crafts training workshops, where older and skilled artists and craftsmen can instruct and train the new generation of mountain craftsmen.

PRESERVING THE CULTURAL IDENTITYFocus on:

Handmade pottery, Cappadochia, TurkeyHandmade pottery, Cappadochia, Turkey

Promotion of local traditions:

• local usages, • religious beliefs, • celebratory festivals…

PRESERVING THE CULTURAL IDENTITYFocus on:

Mama Ashu feast day procession, Chacas, PerùMama Ashu feast day procession, Chacas, Perù

• Mountaineering, trekking, climbing, ski touring,… can transform the economic development of mountain areas

• Free access to the mountains must be guaranteed

• Limitation of access must be well considered and put into effect only when strictly necessary

• Raising awarness of issues is more effective rather than regulating access

UIAA Magazine Cover feb 2000UIAA Magazine Cover feb 2000

TOURISM IN THE MOUNTAINS

Suggestions to develop a sustainable mountain tourism policy:

• Promote the professional training of local mountain guides

• Promote the creation of local travel agencies (protect from exploitation of mountain tourism by multi-national agencies!)

• Build huts and bivouacs along the well frequented paths ( where it is possible by restoration of existing structures) new provision must be the exception)

• In building huts is necessary to avoid spoliation of the wilderness; remoteness and distance from the roads or railways and popularity of the area are determining factors

Suggestions to develop a sustainable mountain tourism policy:

• Promote the professional training of local mountain guides

• Promote the creation of local travel agencies (protect from exploitation of mountain tourism by multi-national agencies!)

• Build huts and bivouacs along the well frequented paths ( where it is possible by restoration of existing structures) new provision must be the exception)

• In building huts is necessary to avoid spoliation of the wilderness; remoteness and distance from the roads or railways and popularity of the area are determining factors

Marco e Rosa de Marchi – Agostino Rocca Hut, Bernina Group, Central Alps

Marco e Rosa de Marchi – Agostino Rocca Hut, Bernina Group, Central Alps

TOURISM IN THE MOUNTAINS

In building a new hut it is strongly recommended that modern methods of construction are employed:

To accord to ecological principles

To use heat- conserving materials

To use the energy of the sun (photovoltaic panels for electricity, solar panels for producing hot water, massive walls for heating rooms)

To use the energy of running water for local hydroelectricity

Marco e Rosa de Marchi – Agostino Rocca Hut, m 3610 a.s.lMarco e Rosa de Marchi – Agostino Rocca Hut, m 3610 a.s.l

TOURISM IN THE MOUNTAINS

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

MASSIVE TROMBE WALLS

For tourists’ accomodation:

Promote restoration of old civil and rural structures ( often tourists prefer to stay in an old traditional building, instead of in a new one)

However the tourist’s accomodation must:

• guarantee cleanliness, hygiene and essentials facilities ( toilet, wash-basin, shower)

• assure modern standards of healh and safety

Traditional buildings in Orobie Group, Central AlpsTraditional buildings in Orobie Group, Central Alps

TOURISM IN THE MOUNTAINS

Provision of way-marked paths enabling visiting mountaneeres to explore the regions by themselves and without guide

Ensure regulations for hunting and fishing are linked to promotion of natural environment

TOURISM IN THE MOUNTAINS

1) These guidelines can be adapted by local communities to their particular characteristics and needs

2) Tourism in the mountains is important to ensure sustainable development to people living in mountain regions and to increase their standard of living

3) At the same time it is important to safeguard the landscape and local culture

4) Countries where mountain tourism is in its infancy may then avoid the errors, mistakes, and omissions perpetrated in Europe and in other places around the world

CONCLUSIONS

5) It is important in many cases to create “ parks ” to preserve flora, wild animals, environment and local traditions whilst permitting reasonable and responsible access

6) Tourists of tomorrow will increasingly need to escape from the congestion of towns and cities to relate to nature through the mountains

7) The mountains will provide fresh air, exercise and a good quality natural environment

CONCLUSIONS