The UIAA Mountain Protection Award (MPA) is the UIAA’s flagship project in sustainability. The year 2025 marks the 11th edition of the Award with application opening on 1 March.

Any project rooted in mountain sports with a focus on environmental sustainability and climate change is eligible to apply for the UIAA Mountain Protection Award.

The MPA promotes and supports projects that seek to protect mountain ecosystems and engage climbers and mountaineers in a direct and positive way. The Award platform also welcomes sustainable mountain tourism initiatives directly support and benefit the lives of mountain communities. Throughout the past decade, the MPA platform has enabled projects to raise finances to build key infrastructures, conduct vital research and fulfil pending goals.

In parallel, it has provided an international showcase and communication platform for projects to raise awareness, inspire and exchange ideas and initiatives about adapting to climate change, protecting biodiversity, preserving local cultures of the mountainous communities and promoting responsible practices. Not only has it supported local communities, it has also fostered its own global community. The Award celebrates innovation and the desire of climbers to make a positive difference.

The deadline to apply is 15 May 2025. Read the 2025 guidelines and apply directly on the official website.

Cover photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash.