The Global Climbing Initiative began as a research project at Yale University documenting the growth of climbing around the world. Our first case studies gave tangible examples of the way this sport creates positive change, while also demonstrating the challenges climbing areas face at different stages of development. This led us to create our best practices project, where we have handed the pen to climbing leaders worldwide to write the book on how to best develop climbing areas and communities.
Best Practices Project
We are working with over 100 climbing leaders worldwide to produce a first-of-its-kind resource for crag development and maintenance, environmental conservation, equity and inclusivity, community engagement, economic impact, and climbing organizations.
Case Studies
As this sport grows, it is important that we document the history of this sport, its impacts (economically, socially, and environmentally), and the ways in which climbing communities have united around challenges and opportunities. Our team conducts case studies around the world, capturing lessons learned that can inform future decisions of climbing policy and governance.
Research Repository
A research repository is a searchable database of papers and studies, which can be filtered by different tags like topic, publication date, and language. GCI is building the world’s first research repository on climbing’s economic, social, and environmental effects. If you are interested in supporting this project, please email research@globalclimbing.org.