Wild Land News no 53, Summer 2001

New Forum Launches IYM 2002 Project Article

Alistair Cant reports on an important Scottish initiative for next year's International Year of the Mountain

A forum which brings together many of the key recreation and conservation bodies in Scotland has been meeting for the last 12 months. Called the Scottish Mountain Forum (SMF), it enables organisations and concerned individuals can raise important topics for discussion and joint action.

The forum was formed initially in response to the Cuillin Hills being placed on the market. There was great concern about this potential land sale and a lack of a co-ordinated response from walkers, climbers and conservationists. There was the possibility that a land owning Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) such as NTS or JMT may consider bidding for the hills. This could promote the market for 'trophy' hills where their economic value is very low in reality. There was also significant concern that the landowner MacLeod of MacLeod did not have a valid title to the hills, according to research carried out by Alan Blackshaw.

The discussions in the forum have lead to a much greater understanding and level of co-operation between the bodies involved, who include the MC of S, RA(S), SWLG, JMT, NTS, CC and others. This co-operation was very useful in tackling the access restrictions and damage to rural tourism, especially outdoor activity businesses, arising from the foot and mouth outbreaks.

One crucial initiative arising from suggestions put to the forum, is the post of project worker for the International Year of the Mountain (IYM) 2002. This 'Year' has its origins in the Rio Summit, and the UN General Assembly has designed 2002 as IYM. Initially there seemed to be little planned for IYM in Scotland, with the Scottish Executive taking little interest. There was some activity planned by SNH but this SMF proposal has catapulted IYM into many organisations' action plans.

A proposal to recruit a IYM project worker has been worked up by a SMF Steering Group, and with valuable support from Perth College, has now become a reality. Significant funding has been awarded by SNH, with the balance from donations from recreation/conservation organisations and others. SWLG has promised £750 from its funds to go into the common pot.

The project worker will have several aims: partly to assist SNH organise an international conference in Autumn 2002; partly to promote IYM; and partly to help encourage and co-ordinate activities by various organisations during 2002. In this way a diverse but linked programme of events can be achieved, using governmental and NGO bodies.

The hard work of the key individuals and organisations participating in the SMF, supported by Perth College has made this idea of celebrating IYM 2002 an achievable reality. The funding support from SNH and others is much appreciated. We hope that in SWLG we can help organise something and the steering team are working on this now. This article will spread the message but there is a lot to be done. Volunteers will be needed by us and other organisations, so if you can help, do put yourself forward.