Azerbaijan to host International Conference

The International Conference titled “The valuable role of mountaineering and climbing sports for developing sustainable tourism in mountainous regions of the world such as Caucasus” organized with the initiative of  International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) and joint organization of IDEA Campaign, Western University, Azerbaijan Mountaineering and Extreme Sports Federations Association and Air and Extreme Sports Federation of Azerbaijan will be held in Baku on October 24-25, 2013.

The Mountain Protection commission works with international conservation organizations and networks to promote sustainable development in mountainous regions, protection of mountain areas, education and positive behavior of mountaineers, climbers and other stakeholders.

The Conference is organized in the framework of UIAA’s "Mountain Protection Award" and rewarded for the development of mountaineering tourism and protection of mountain environment. Participation of companies, individuals, various associations and municipalities is anticipated in the current award program. The aim of this event is focused on raising public awareness, promoting mountaineering sports, developing ecotourism, as well as, joint protection of mountain environment such as implementing specific goals.

The Western University joined this process and provided financial support to UIAA’s "Mountain Protection Award" . This successful collaboration was highlighted during UIAA General Assembly in Switzerland which held on 4-5 October 2013 and noted in UIAA’s Annual Report.

Such topics as effective marketing programs to promote sustainable mountain tourism, attracting scientific and organizational partners for long-term sustainable mountain tourism, creating effective mountain protection practices and policies for sustainable mountain tourism, engaging mountain tourists in long-term mountain protection monitoring through civil scientist programs will be discussed at the conference.

A number of well-known international specialists including vice-president of UIAA Peter Farkas,
Ms. Linda McMillan - the president of UIAA Mountain Protection Commission, Sophie Gerard - UIAA programme coordinator, international expert on geology Ronald Gallaher as well as local government organizations, scientific research and educational institutions, representatives of civil society will take part in this event.