Australia to Ban Ayers Rock Climbers
Wednesday July 8, 2009
In Australia, the sacred site known as Ayers Rock to some folks, but as Uluru to the aboriginal populattion, has been a popular site for rock-climbers over the decades. The climbing was reluctantly allowed by tribal leaders, but now national parks officials have decided it's just not safe anymore, and have opted to make the rock off limits to thrill-seekers.
Over thirty people have died attempting to reach the top of Uluru, and parks authorities said this week, "For visitor safety, cultural, and environmental reasons the (national parks) director and the board will work towards closure of the climb."
Regional officials are opposed to the closure, saying it will cause Australia's steadily-dropping tourism numbers to decline even further. However, on a national level, it appears that parks officials are suggesting that the regional authorities come up with alternative activities to draw tourists in. The Australian Tourism Export Council supports the ban, and managing director Matt Hingerty said, "While some tourists have sought the opportunity to climb Uluru, the inbound tourism industry respects and acknowledges that the rights of Uluru's traditional owners should be paramount with regards to this issue."
In other words, they get that it's a tourist attraction, but it's also a site of cultural significance. It's a positive step to see that the Australian government is listening to the needs of the aboriginal population in this situation.
Last summer, we talked about Uluru in a slightly different context, when tourists began returning illegally obtained bits of rock to Australia, believing they were cursed.
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Over thirty people have died attempting to reach the top of Uluru, and parks authorities said this week, "For visitor safety, cultural, and environmental reasons the (national parks) director and the board will work towards closure of the climb."
Regional officials are opposed to the closure, saying it will cause Australia's steadily-dropping tourism numbers to decline even further. However, on a national level, it appears that parks officials are suggesting that the regional authorities come up with alternative activities to draw tourists in. The Australian Tourism Export Council supports the ban, and managing director Matt Hingerty said, "While some tourists have sought the opportunity to climb Uluru, the inbound tourism industry respects and acknowledges that the rights of Uluru's traditional owners should be paramount with regards to this issue."
In other words, they get that it's a tourist attraction, but it's also a site of cultural significance. It's a positive step to see that the Australian government is listening to the needs of the aboriginal population in this situation.
Last summer, we talked about Uluru in a slightly different context, when tourists began returning illegally obtained bits of rock to Australia, believing they were cursed.
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook!
Comments
I remember that article last year. Its tough having to battle with tradition and safety.
It’s about time that our gov’t started to show some respect towards the indigenous people of this country, but Uluru isn’t enough. Our gov’t can heritage list a 100 year old building, but in the same breath they condone the actions of land developers who demolish indiginous burial grounds and sacred sites that are over 2000 years old. Our gov’t still has a long way to go to understanding the original people of this great land.
I thought they tried to ban climbing it a while ago, cos of the whole culture thing. My friend Webby said “They weren’t interested in it and didnt try to stop anyone until it was worth money” typical Webby.
I’m soooo happy to read this. I lived in the Aussie outback for four years. It’s a very fragile environment and The Rock is ancient and very powerful. I pray they didn’t wait too long.