| Letter from BMC (British Mountaineering Council) to RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature) |
| 12 March 2002 Khaled Irani Director RSCN P.O.BOX 6354 AMMAN 11183, JORDAN Dear Mr Irani Climbing and Trekking in Wadi Rum I am writing to you regarding some concerns that climbers and trekkers have about the future management of Wadi Rum. These concerns have been brought to the BMC's attention by Di Taylor & Tony Howard and several other climbers who have visited the region over the past 12-18 months. Whilst the designation of Rum as a Protected Area is welcomed by climbers and trekkers, the potential access restrictions and limitations on the choice of Bedouin guides are of great concern. In particular, I understand that efforts are already underway to stop climbers and trekkers visiting certain parts of Rum (despite there being well established routes there) and also to stop 'wild' camping in the desert. Camping is an essential component of these activities and in the BMC's experience it need not be detrimental to the environment once appropriate good practice guidelines have been developed and promoted. Climbers have also raised concerns about the freedom to choose local guides. It is normal international practice for climbers to be select a guide of their choice based on the guide's knowledge of the area, personal qualities or the recommendation of other climbers. The BMC would recommend that this system, which has developed naturally in Rum over the years, should be allowed to continue and that only if a guide is not available should visitors be required to choose a guide from the daily rota. Whilst on the subject of guides, I would also add that for further training of local Bedouin climbers and the rescue team, the BMC can fully endorse the recommendation (made by Di Taylor and Tony Howard) of Andy Perkins - a qualified UIAA guide with experience of Jordan and the Bedouin of Rum. Finally, I believe that the procedures contained in last year's Draft Guidelines drawn up by Tony and Di with the BMC's assistance, ('Environmental and Safety Guidelines for Climbing and Trekking in Rum National Park'), outlines the relevant general procedures once the questions on zoning etc have been addressed. However, with the above guiding issue in mind, the BMC would recommend adding the following as item 14 (the subsequent numbers changing accordingly): 14. Hiring of guides The RSCN accepts that for reasons of safety, climbers and trekkers may directly hire a guide or guides of their choice with specific knowledge of climbing and/or trekking areas. Should none be available, a guide may then be chosen by the visitor from the daily rota of desert safari guides. I understand that the guidelines are yet to be approved by RSCN and other involved parties and I can confirm that the BMC will be pleased to add its endorsement in due course. Once finalised I believe that these Guidelines will ensure that climbing and trekking can proceed in an environmentally sustainable manner, which will be to the benefit of Rum, its people and its visitors. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely Dave Turnbull Chief Officer |