On the 8th, the Chinese Mountaineering Association held the launch ceremony of the "National Outdoor Safety Education Program" in Beijing. Organizers stated that the program aims to advocate the outdoor interaction philosophy of "safety, science, and environmental protection," enhance outdoor safety awareness, popularize outdoor safety knowledge, and promote the healthy development of outdoor activities.
Currently, the rapid development of mountaineering and outdoor sports, as well as self-guided tourism activities with an adventurous nature, has led to frequent safety issues. According to statistics, in 2012, 45 people died in mountain-related accidents, including 4 in high-altitude expeditions and 41 in outdoor sports, marking the "highest peak" since the release of the mountain accident report in 2007.
Faced with the severe situation of outdoor safety, the Chinese Mountaineering Association, based on summarizing international development experiences and combining them with social needs, not only organized experts to compile the "Mountaineering and Outdoor Safety Handbook," but also developed a series of plans for the implementation of the "National Outdoor Safety Education Program."
It is reported that the "National Outdoor Safety Education Program" will carry out eight work items. "We will start by developing outdoor safety education and publicity materials, followed by organizing nationwide lecture tours on outdoor safety, hosting outdoor safety TV programs, conducting outdoor safety training, establishing outdoor safety education bases, forming a team of volunteer lecturers and safety advocates, organizing outdoor safety seminars, and carrying out outdoor accident analysis activities," introduced Xie Chuan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Mountaineering Association.
Through this series of education and publicity efforts on outdoor safety, the goal is to raise public awareness of outdoor risks, and to understand and master basic methods and techniques for dealing with outdoor risks, thereby effectively preventing and reducing the occurrence of outdoor safety accidents.
"To make this a regular and sustainable initiative, this work is prepared to be incorporated into the overall operations of the Chinese Mountaineering Association," said Xie Chuan. Meanwhile, the program will also be integrated with various other initiatives, such as developing systematic training for enthusiasts and establishing a national network of outdoor education bases, to reflect its role in public service.
"We believe the promotion of the 'National Outdoor Safety Education Program' will play an active and important role in developing national fitness initiatives, improving people's quality of life, and promoting the growth of the sports and tourism industries," added Wan Lingyun, Deputy Director of the Mass Sports Department of the General Administration of Sport of China.