Due to a new law passed by the Government of Catalonia, rock climbing in the Oliana area is now officially banned.
The ban came into force yesterday and concerns the prehistoric rock art site of Roc del Rumbau, which is part of the larger “Rock Art of the Iberian Peninsula” complex, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. This area is part of a new 36-hectare protected area created to protect prehistoric images.
In addition, camping and making fires are also prohibited within the protected area.
The Oliana climbing area is home to some of the most iconic routes in climbing history. Among them are La Dura Dura (9b+), the second highest route in the world at this grade, which was vied for the first ascent by Chris Sharma and Adam Ondra; American Hustle (8c), onsighted by both Laura Rogora and Janja Garnbret; As well as Chris Sharma’s long-standing project Le Blond (Project).
There is a one-month period during which to appeal the ban, as well as a two-month period for appealing it through administrative court proceedings. Filing appeals does not suspend the ban, as it has already entered into force.
Source: alp.org.ua