Ibex rarely flee when approached by hikers, leading to a common misinterpretation that the animals are undisturbed. (Photo credit: Céline Martin)

Outdoor recreation and nature sports in mountains are becoming increasingly popular. They can contribute to the livelihoods of people living in mountains, but they can also lead to habitat degradation, wildlife disturbance, or pollution, thereby harming fragile mountain ecosystems. This MRD Talk will explore how different actor groups can help ensure that outdoor activities in mountains benefit both local societies and the environment. MRD author Léna Gruas will present her findings on managing visitor flows in protected areas in the French Alps. Diana Alexia Gómez Cavieres and Jorge Sirvas Milla of Asociación 7a Escalada will share their experiences of developing a climbing area in Peru, Tanya Bascombe of the European Outdoor Conservation Association will offer insights into this industry association’s conservation efforts, and Ansgar Fellendorf of UNEP will present the global Sports for Nature initiative.

MRD Talks are organized jointly by Mountain Research and Development (MRD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of the PRIMA project funded by Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC).

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