Management strategies
Climbers are an integral part of the stream of visitors in one of the longest established climbing areas in Germany. As nature and climbing encounter each other in this very confined space, it has come to impairments on both sides now and then. Disputes between climbing and natural conservation are known from other German and European regions too. This was followed by the partial closure of some areas or stronger restrictions (Menerbes, Eifel, Hönnetal, Sauerland, Swabian Alb, Basler Jura).
The better alternative is the joint development of area-based climbing strategies by climbing associations and competent nature conservation representatives. In these conceptions the open summits and the closed rocks and cliff areas are defined. In addition, the involved parties agree on measures to reduce resulting impairments, prevent new ones and to maintain sufficient refuge areas for the natural environment:
- Marking and possibly creating climbing access, so they are easier to find and the majority of vegetation on mountain slopes remains intact;
- Temporary and spatially limited closures of rocks and aerie protection areas and
- Further information of the climbers
Management strategies that are developed, implemented a n d respected by both sides, serve to protect the natural environment and secure climbing opportunities sustainably.
Current mountaineering conception for the National Park(only available in German)
Mountainneering concept for the Saxon Switzerland Conservation Area (only available in German)
