The two professional climbers Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson recently announced their latest climbing project, in which they climb in a stalactite cave. They are now being sharply criticized for the action.
At the end of April, our editorial team received a message about a climbing project by Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson. The announcement contained professional images, teaser videos for free use and a pre-prepared press release. As a magazine, it is a hit and easy to publish a news article.
After reading the content, however, our editorial team decided not to publish the report. Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson climbed fragile stalactite formations in a cave.
Criticism from the speleology community
It was precisely for this climbing action that the two were sharply criticized. Speleology associations and experts spoke up and asked for an apology and the deletion of the published articles that presented the project in a good light.
Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson issue opinion
Caroline and James have now published a statement in which they apologize for the action and express understanding for the criticism.
Despite the advice of cave experts, our knowledge of behavior and efforts to preserve cave structures was and is limited. We apologize for causing concern to the caving community and will endeavor to learn more about this area and to raise awareness in the climbing community.
Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson
Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson are known for their clean climbing projects, which - in keeping with the traditional climbing concept - are about leaving as little traces as possible. The most recent action is all the more surprising. At the same time, the statement published by the two of them shows their character. Time will tell whether they keep their word and actively work to raise awareness of the topic.
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Credits: Cover picture Chris Prescott / Dark Sky Media