BayCEER Workshop 2024

Sustainability in outdoor climbing

O 4.3 in Hydro- and biogeochemistry

11.10.2024, 10:05-10:20, H 36

Outdoor climbing has grown from a niche activity into a popular sport practiced by over 50 million people worldwide. As the number of climbers increases, the need for proper management to mitigate adverse effects on the environment becomes more pressing. The impact of route development on vegetation and the challenges of sustainable mobility in outdoor climbing are two foci of our research.

To assess the impact of climbing a route for the first time, we conducted an experiment on three boulders of different rock types. During 500 ascents, we documented and analysed the vegetation cover change at hand- and footholds. The strongest impact on vegetation cover occurred during the first 10-287 ascents of a new bouldering route, particularly on footholds and on sandstone, which erodes faster than granite or limestone.

Sustainable mobility in climbing is mostly hindered by car use. During the 2022 and 2024 climbing festivals in the famous Frankenjura area, a survey was conducted on attitudes and challenges towards “Ecopointing" which means using sustainable transport like trains, buses, hiking, and cycling to reach the climbing crags. For the travels to the climbing cliffs, main reasons for preferring cars were time savings and easy access to cliffs. Awareness of the Ecopointing concept increased from 51% (2022) to 71% (2024). Nearly 80% of climbers who tried the sustainable approach reported positive effects in 2024. However, no clear trend towards more Ecopointing was observed.

To promote sustainable practices in outdoor climbing, climbers must be aware of the impacts they create. Encouraging sustainable behaviour requires a willingness to accept limits. Therefore, climbing associations, researchers, biologists, authorities, brands, and athletes must collaborate to promote low-impact practices. Involving climbers in projects that contribute to sustainable climbing could be a promising way to raise awareness and foster long-term solutions.

Keywords: climbing, sustainability, best practices

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