The UIAA’s presence at COP22, due to take place in Marrakech in Morocco from November 7 until 18, follows on from its role at COP21 where it raised awareness, in partnership with other mountain bodies, about the effects of climate change on mountain regions.

The protection of the mountain environment is a key pillar of what the UIAA stands for.

The UIAA spearheads global sustainability programmes, including the UIAA Mountain Protection Award, a showcase for international projects promoting ecotourism and sustainable practices, as well as the "Respect the Mountains" series, dually a mountain tourist clean-up operation and an educational programme.

"It is crucial to raise awareness about the impact of climate change in the mountains," said UIAA President Frits Vrijlandt.

"Most people who visit the mountains understand its beauty and enjoy spending time there without really realising the extent of the glacial melting and the impact on our largest source of clean, drinking water.

"This is one of the many problems, and has a notable impact in developing countries. It will make drinking water more scarce, more expensive and on a humanitarian level escalade the difference between the rich and the poor."

At COP21, the UIAA, together with other experts, proposed a "Declaration on Mountain Change", ensuring the vulnerability of mountains be recognised in the final "Paris Accord". 

The Declaration was circulated to international organisations to be signed and to countries to be promoted and supported in the negotiation sessions. 

In addition to its work on the declaration, the UIAA also managed the "Call from the Mountains" booth which provided international media, visitors and delegates with the opportunity to discuss the devastating effects of climate change in the mountains.

Dr Carolina Adler, President of the UIAA Mountain Protection Commission, claimed it is important the UIAA is a visible presence at COP22.

"In principle, I agree that organisations such as ours need to be present at these COP negotiations, especially when we want to be part of the change and solutions that we want to see enacted to address climate change," she said.

"Given that these COP talks are also highly political, it is important for us to show solidarity through our cause by participating in partnerships, coalitions and alliances that also share our concerns on the devastating effects of climate change in mountain regions.

"For this reason, the COP meeting also offers us a great platform and opportunity to increase our network, impact and reach at these negotiation talks by working with other recognised NGOs and organisations that also actively lobby for mountains. Together, in numbers, makes us stronger."