Our commitment to sustainability and mountain Ethics
The snow vigil project is built around our values. Without those values, Snow Vigil doesn’t exist. In order to be good stewards of the beautiful place we enjoy, we must open our eyes to the threats which face the people and places around us.
to protect local culture and heritage and to enjoy the benefits of learning from different cultures
to protect the natural environment by opposing all permanent development in wild areas
to protect the sanctity of the wilderness by establishing sustainable practices for accessing wild areas
to make as much an effort as possible to reduce our carbon impact
to always engage in fair and equitable relationships with all partners, local or foreign
Sustainability and equality in racha
Mountain villages in Georgia face serious threats from unsustainable development.
ShKHMeri
One of the most remote and wild villages in Racha and a favourite ski spot for us, Shkhmeri has been targeted for mining and extraction of manganese. Locals have organized protests against the allegedly corrupt projects.
Rioni Valley
The headwaters of the Rioni river are in Ghebi, the largest village in upper Racha. Locals are protesting the allegedly corrupt deals behind multiple destructive HPP construction projects on the river.
Protestors against construction of HPP in Rioni
Protestors gather in Tbilisi to protect the Rioni
Uravi
One of the least visited villages in upper Racha, Uravi suffers from dangerously elevated levels of cyanide in the soil produced as a byproduct of mining processes.
Chiatura
The best rock climbing region in Georgia and close neighbour of Racha, villagers and employees of mining companies in Chiatura have staged multiple protests in recent years over unsafe working conditions, poor pay, and destructive practices.
Snow Vigil Team members meet with local protestors
Maganese Extraction on a mountainside in Racha.
Unsustainable Tourism development
While tourism can bring myriad benefits to local economies, unregulated growth and unsustainable development practices can increase inequality, destroy priceless cultural history, and wreak havoc on the environment. Cat skiing, Heli-skiing, permanent infrastructure in wild areas, noise pollution, and exploitative labor practices all contribute to this major problem which Racha now faces as it becomes more well-known.