Support CDU's Seven Summits Sustainability Project

                                                                                                                                                     Photo credit: @beckeradventures

The Seven Summits Sustainability Project (SSSP) is a collaborative project between mountaineering guide service, Climbing the Seven Summits (CTSS), and Charles Darwin University (CDU). The project findings are informing industry best-practice in sustainability, combining ecosystem science, environmental management, and mountaineer psychology to better understand, manage, and conserve the ecosystems of the highest peaks on each continent (The Seven Summits).  

‘The Seven Summits’ have become increasingly popular climbing goals of adventurers around the world which has come at a cost to the surrounding ecosystems and communities. This project is in response to media coverage in recent years highlighting issues of environmental degradation and over-tourism, which has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of mountaineering on the world’s great peaks.
 

What does sustainability have to  do with The Seven Summits

• Mountains account for approximately 24% of the Earth’s surface and have substantial impact on half of the global water supply, through snow and ice melt and river flow, and for one-sixth of the human population inhabiting lower regions. 
• Mountains are key habitats for diverse and specialised species which are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts.
• The increase in popularity of climbing the highest peaks on each continent is putting pressure on the summit ecosystems and surrounding communities and industries.
• A better understanding of how to continue mountaineering activities within the vulnerable ecosystems of The Seven Summits is needed to support environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the regions.

 

"The mountains are more than just landscapes—they are powerful, transformative places that inspire and challenge us. As stewards of these wild spaces, it is our responsibility to protect our playground, so that we can continue to experience their beauty and wonder."(Caroline Pemberton, co-owner of CTSS)

 

What are we doing about it?

Coordinated efforts between researchers, environmental management agencies, and climbing organisations is deemed imperative for effective management of these globally relevant regions; the attitudes and behaviours of users in relation to environmental protection initiatives being equally important. 

Climbing the Seven Summits (CTSS) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) partnership:

• Evaluating the Ecosystem Impact Management strategies applied in each region.
• Exploring Mountaineer Environmental Psychology 
  as a contributing factor in ecosystem impact management.
• Facilitating a broader understanding of ecosystem impacts and participation in Regional Sustainability Initiatives. 
• Working together to continually improve and set the standards for Industry Best-Practices in Sustainability.

The Seven Summits Sustainability Project team are collecting insights and data on the key impacts, management strategies, and user behaviours in these areas through engagement and collaborations with researchers, management authorities, the climbing industry, and mountaineers. The project leader, Dr Chrystie Watson, will also climb each of The Seven Summits to observe conditions, industry practices, and mountaineer behaviours.

Dr Watson explains, “This project is providing us with insights into how we can foster sustainability best-practices within the Seven Summits regions through collaborations with mountaineers, industry, management authorities, researchers, and local community groups and advocates.” 

Sponsorship

If you are interested in having your brand or business engaged as a sponsor of the SSSP expeditions and/or research activities, please contact the Project Leader, Dr Chrystie Watson.

Email: chrystie.watson@cdu.edu.au
 

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