February 17, 2026 — Boulder, Colorado — The Global Climbing Initiative (GCI) and Sterling Rope have announced a multi-year project to invest in youth access, environmental protection, and the development of sustainable mountain tourism in Colombia, supported by proceeds from the new VR ECO 9.6mm Limited Edition Colombia Rope.
The GCI Climbing Leadership Fund is an initiative to provide emerging local climbing leaders in under-resourced communities worldwide with access to qualified instruction, safety knowledge, and nonprofit development skills. This project will enable local GCI partner organization Fundación Edenes de Colombia to implement a program focused on the long-term environmental and economic future of climbing in the Suesca region, where adventure tourism complements the area’s agricultural economy.
Fundación Edenes will take part in organizational leadership and nonprofit development trainings with GCI, after which they will implement a local youth engagement program. Approximately 80 students from two rural schools will take part in workshops and outdoor experiences centered on Leave No Trace principles, rock climbing, and career paths in the outdoor sector. The project will conclude with a community climbing day event at the Farallón de Roca climbing area, bringing together residents, businesses, and government leaders to encourage inclusion and collaboration.
Inspired by the colors of the Colombian flag, Sterling’s new VR ECO 9.6mm rope gets its name from the ISCC-certified ECO yarns it’s woven with, giving new life to existing materials in a mass balance approach to protecting the planet. The sleek diameter is ideal for competitions, redpoints, and a lighter load to haul. The VR ECO 9.6mm Limited Edition Colombia Rope is available in 40, 60, 70, and 80m lengths.
“This project seeks to connect young people with a different lifestyle, so that they can benefit from the opportunities offered by their territory,” said Lina Novoa Claro, Director of Fundación Edenes de Colombia. “We know that these young people face many pressures and social problems with few options available for them, such as working in the flower industry or the cement factory, or migrating to the city. We hope that through these interventions, they will discover new leadership skills, awaken their creativity, and become aware of the abundance that surrounds them.”
“We’re delighted to partner with Fundación Edenes de Colombia and support their vision for youth leadership in Suesca,” said Veronica Baker Amores, Executive Director of The Global Climbing Initiative. “With the support of Sterling Rope, we are committed to ensuring climbing continues to benefit local landscapes and the people who depend on them.”
Shop the new Sterling VR ECO 9.6mm Limited Edition Colombia Rope at sterlingrope.com/vr-eco-9-6-mm-rope
To learn more about the GCI Climbing Leadership Fund and support, visit globalclimbing.org/climbing-leadership-fund
The Global Climbing Initiative (GCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization equipping climbing communities worldwide with the knowledge and resources to thrive. GCI supports locally led organizations in under-resourced and historically underrepresented contexts through grant funding, gear access, and education. By empowering the visions of local community leaders, GCI helps strengthen long-term capacity, safety, and opportunity in the global climbing community.
Learn more at globalclimbing.org or follow @theglobalclimbinginitiative on Instagram.
For inquiries, email info@globalclimbing.org
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
