The expedition code of ethics ensures that every participant shows respect for nature, local communities, and fellow travelers. This code emphasizes safety, responsibility, and sustainability, helping trips to be conducted ethically and securely. Following rules during mountaineering, hiking, and other expeditions protects the environment and ensures a safe experience for all participants.
On October 15, 1982, the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) adopted various principles related to mountain activities in the "Kathmandu Declaration".
Considering the provisions of this Declaration regarding the protection of mountains, the local population, and their environment, it was determined that the Declaration should be complemented with a specific Code in light of the current level of expedition development. This Code will guide mountaineers with proper conduct principles before, during, and after an expedition.
Based on the proposal of the UIAA Expedition Commission, the UIAA General Assembly adopted the following principles of the Ethical Code and recommended member associations to disseminate these principles and encourage expeditions to follow them.
Expeditions must adhere to the following:
1. Respect the rules of the host country.
This means the expedition must be fully informed about the regulations before entering the country and have the necessary tools and equipment to comply. The expedition should be fully prepared for all aspects and requirements of the trip.
2. Respect the 1982 Kathmandu Declaration.
3. Maintain and promote the sporting nature of expeditions in the spirit of pure mountaineering.
This requires the expedition to:
- adopt logistics and tactics suitable for modern Himalayan climbing;
- avoid using financial or material resources disproportionate to the objective;
- refrain from artificial aids or drugs to achieve success.
4. Ensure the safety of all participants regardless of the chosen tactics and strategy.
In particular:
- valley porters,
- high-altitude (HA) porters,
- and expedition members and other local participants should be prioritized for safety.
5. Ensure maximum participation of host country members in technical activities.
This is important for their training in mountaineering or to expand their existing experience.
6. Provide objective and accurate information after the expedition.
This includes:
- the course of the expedition,
- problems encountered,
- results achieved,
- and any useful documented information.
7. Avoid altering or exaggerating facts.
Especially for promotional purposes:
- Facts in media reports or expedition articles should not be distorted.
8. Demonstrate solidarity and mutual assistance.
This applies not only within the expedition but also:
- with local communities,
- and collaboration with other expeditions that may face difficult situations.
9. Respect the equipment of other expeditions.
- It is forbidden to use their equipment without permission.
10. Leave the mountain as clean as possible at the end of the stay.
This includes cleaning up:
- fixed ropes,
- remains of high camps and other traces.
This principle is fully in line with the spirit of the Kathmandu Declaration.
Source: https://www.theuiaa.org/documents/declarations/UIAA_Declaration_EthicalCodeforExpeditions.pdf
