When an access problem arises, the best line of defense is almost always the local climbers who know the climbing areas and the challenges they face best. Therefore, a fundamental part of Acceso PanAm’s work is to encourage and support local climbers in their conservation and access initiatives, inspiring the creation of local, regional, and national organizations. Coming together in an organization demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment that makes a strong impression to administrators, politicians, and other decision-makers, and it is often necessary to be in an association to have a formal and official voice.
Local Climbing Organizations (LCOs) represent the most effective way to extend activism for the cause of conservation, access, and climbing and mountaineering. See some associations here.
Acceso PanAm can support local organizations through:
- Assistance with access problems and negotiations.
- Reference documents on access, conservation, education, organization management, etc.
- Advice on political, legal, and regulatory matters with federal, state, and local entities.
- Training workshops for climbers and activists.
- Education and conservation campaigns.
- Visits from the Conservation Team to help mitigate climber impacts and collaborate on strategies for more sustainable climbing areas.