What is UIMLA?
The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations
UIMLA was founded in November 2004. UIMLA is an
international governing body based in France which is representing the IMLs from Andorra, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Poland,
Spain, and Switzerland. One of the most important targets for UIMLA is to represent the profession at the international level as
well as setting equal standards of qualifications for all International Mountain Leaders IMLs. UIMLA also promotes the profession
and supports the cooperation between IMLs from different countries.
The UIMLA International Mountain Leader and the
IFMGA Mountain Guide are the only internationally recognized
qualifications in the mountains in Europe.
Mission Statement
UIMLA'S Mission is to :
- Make Mountain Leaders throughout the world aware of the existence of UIMLA and encourage the forming of National Associations.
- Work towards cultural, social and legal recognition of the profession of International Mountain Leader.
- Harmonise member countries' training and assessment in terms of minimum requirements and quality.
- Encourage and bring value to a sustainable development of mountainous regions.
- Encourage and agree the right of an IML to practise in all mountainous countries.
- Develop the visibility and professional reputation of the profession.
What is an International Mountain Leader?
An International Mountain Leader (IML) is a person that has been trained and assessed against the challenging
requirements of the UIMLA. These requirements are specified in a document called "A common platform standard". The IML qualification
lets the holder leading groups in different mountains all over the world, where the skills of alpinism are not required. IMLs can not
provide tours on glaciers and permanent snow, and where the planned use of a rope is necessary. However IMLs can work with groups on
high altitude treks as well as leading groups on snow shoes. IML's, from every member country, have to maintain International
Continuing Professional Development (ICPD) to ensure that members are kept up-to-date with the latest developments in mountain
leadership.
Only qualified International Mountain Leader has the badge and the carnet of The UIMLA organization.
Bulgarian way to membership of UIMLA
At the annual general assembly of UIMLA in Chambery, France 2008 - the "Mountains and People" association was
invited to present the Bulgarian reality of the profession of the mountain leading, the training and assessment in our country. After
a wonderful presentation, made for all members and candidates of UIMLA and voting on behalf of the full member delegates, we received
aspirant membership. This means that for us the process has begun.
At the annual general assembly of UIMLA in Brussels, Belgium 2009 we confirmed our desire to receive full membership,
that will recognize our training and assessment and is about to turn the Bulgarian mountain leaders into IML - internationally recognized
mountain leaders. We presented all needed documents, translated into English for the UIMLA membership and we invited a delegation of
UIMLA to come to Bulgaria to make an expertise on the training courses, especially for the winter outdoor activities. So, we made again
one step forward to the participation in UIMLA. Next general assembly is going to take place in Switzerland 2010.
See pictures from the
Annual General Assembly of UIMLA in Chambery, France 2008
See pictures from the
Meeting with UIMLA coordination board in Brussels, 2009
