The central theme of this work refers to the principles and values of mountaineering, highlighting the contributions of the representative entities for the sustainability of Protected Areas (PAs). The greatest focus is given to the performance and experience of the Federation of Mountain Sports of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FEMERJ), an institution that currently is part of several Management Councils of PAs and has shown itself to be an effective voluntary partner in the management of natural areas. With the objective of providing a set of structured information on matters relevant to practitioners of adventure sports and contributing to the protagonist of the mountaineering segment in discussion forums that affect public policies, this research is based on the analysis of historical data, legislation and other technical and scientific documents dealing with: a) minimal impact on natural environments; b) self-regulation of sport; c) right to risk; and d) right to access. At the end of each chapter, recommendations are listed for the different actors among mountaineers and managers of public organizations, which can serve as a basis for consolidating good practices in natural environments and perpetuating the mountain culture. From the surveys and reflections of this study, it is clear that mountaineering, in addition to being a sport, is a lifestyle that favors the sustainability and conservation of mountainous areas. It is therefore possible to reconcile public use in PAs with nature conservation.