Alpinism inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list (11 December 2019)

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Alpinism, that we nominated together with Italy and Switzerland, was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 14th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Bogota (Colombia) from 9 to 14 December 2019 . This inscription highlights the specific characteristics of alpinism. While physical and technical abilities are required, the sport also calls upon a particular culture which includes knowledge of the environment, weather conditions and natural hazards, as well as values such as team spirit, the physical and symbolic link of the rope, representing mutual support and rescue.

At a time when the practice of alpinism is in decline and global warming is making mountains more dangerous, this inscription also seeks to raise awareness to preserve and pass on essential expertise for the mountain world.

We take this opportunity to highlight our support for UNESCO’s work to protect both tangible and intangible heritage.