The \u201cOutdoors\u201d part of the UNSW Outdoors Club is so important. Everything we do is aimed at getting outside, even indoor training on plastic. Whether it be bikes, hikes, or climbs, everything we do also has an impact - social, cultural, and environmental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Though UNSWOC members participate in a broad range of outdoors activities, climbing is one of the core activities of the club. As such, emerging access issues faced by the wider climbing community need to be addressed. This is particularly important because climbing is gaining momentum and the crusty old climbers are being replaced by climbers fresh out of the gym, many of whom do not have extensive outdoor experience and may not understand the ethics involved, such as Leave No Trace. It's incredibly important that we consider our impact and do what we can to minimise it.<\/span><\/p>\n This page is \u201cbest practice\u201d guidelines for crag behaviour created after the ACANSW Conservation and Culture Forum. It contains:<\/span><\/p>\n Australia was not discovered. People lived here for thousands of years before the invasion of Western settlers. Sovereignty was never ceded. The <\/span>places that we, as a club, enjoy and cherish were, and are still, the land of people that never consented to our use of their land. It was theirs before we were born, and always will be.<\/span><\/p>\n Indigenous cultures do not separate humans and the environment but recognise us as an integral part of nature. It also means that every decision is made with cultural AND environmental considerations<\/span>in mind. When we are outside, consider making decisions for the greater good of culture and the environment for the next generation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It is important to note that some areas we climb at are particularly sensitive to First Nations peoples, as many of the features that make a great climbing area also make that area culturally important for various reasons. When visiting areas known to be sensitive, extreme and particular care must be taken to ensure best practices. Do NOT climb at sites that are closed due to First Nations culture. To do so is <\/span>selfish<\/b><\/span> <\/b>beyond belief, disrespectful towards the broader climbing community, and may lead to your club membership to be revoked. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There are many birds that live and nest around cliff faces and in the surrounding bush. The behaviour of nesting birds is strongly influenced by any human presence.<\/span><\/p>\n Along with the impact that our presence has on plants and animals, it's important to look at the direct impact we humans have. <\/span>If in doubt, pack it out <\/b>(as this follows Leave No Trace ethics):\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In summary, use the following practical guidelines for club trips<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that <\/span>access is no accident, <\/b>and as avid users of the outdoors we are responsible for preserving these places for future generations. Laziness, ignorance, or selfishness can result in permanent environmental damage, which will subsequently lead to land and access closures. It is <\/span>our responsibility <\/b>to ensure that we follow best practices to ensure access continues in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n And as a final note: remember if you see something you can (respectfully) speak up! Working together and educating ourselves and others is key to looking after our outdoor spaces <\/span>for the next generations<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/span>Our Impact on First Nations:<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>This means:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/span>Environmental Impacts<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span>Vegetation<\/span><\/h6>\n
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<\/b>In particular the areas at the bottom of the cliff that you are belaying and hanging out on. This involves carefully selecting where you drop your rope and gear, avoiding stepping on roots, using rock anchors when available and<\/a> suitable instead of trees, and not damaging vegetation to get to a climb.<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/b>Do not take shortcuts or create a new path. If there is no defined trail, form a single line of people, do not spread out and disturb a wider area (this is particularly important in burnt areas).<\/span><\/li>\n\n
<\/span>Fauna<\/span><\/h6>\n
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<\/span>General Etiquette<\/span><\/h6>\n
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