Rural Nepal is so traditional and underdeveloped, and yet potential for sustainable development is guaranteed given the wealth and diversity of agricultural and touristic resources. Main issue: the patent lack of infrastructures -- there are litterally no praticable roads, electric and phone grids outside Kathmandu valley -- has refrained economic and social development in the country-side. As a results, rural populations are left underpriviledged, with remote school access for children and most often no healthcare ... Beyond Peaks is working with NGOs and local entrepreneurs to implement most promising sustainable community development projects. The potential for locally-driven economic and social advances are huges, let s enable them!
Concepts:
# 1 -- Sustainable Development Concept with the NGO "Action High Land" for the sustainable development of the Lower Solukhumbu mountain regions. Opportunities lay in improved utilisation of touristic and farming resources. Investments: EUR 25,000 over 3 years
# 2 -- Sustainable Development Concept with the NGO "Banjang Conservation" for the sustainable development of the mountain region of Banjang in Western Nepal. Opportunities lay in new toursim and volonteering activities coupled with improved farming resources utilisation. Business plan tbd
# 3 -- Healthcare Concept with the NGO "Action High Land" to help improve healthcare facilities at the Karikhola hospital. Concretely: financial support to hire a doctor and provide medical supplies to the only hospital in the lower Solukhumbu area. Investments: EUR 10,000 per year
How Beyond Peaks helps :
Sustainability of mountain tourism and its impact on local communities and ecosystems is a topic of increasing importance, especially in depraved mountain regions. We aim to combine our mountaineering adventures with a sense of activism: To assess the ecologic, economic and social impacts of tourism on mountain communities and ecosystems; To extrapolate how sustainable development may improve ecologic, economic and social conditions; To support sustainable development projects led by local entrepreneurs.
Best Practices: Community Development in Nepal
The NGO "Kathmandu Environmental Education Project" (KEEP) is at the forefront for optimising tourism opportunities in Nepal. KEEP's Community Development Program began as an effort to maximise the benefits of toursim to the local communities.
The program aims to provide opportunity for international travelers, volunteers, or students to assist communities through development projects during their stay in villages.
Development projects include running small scale community projects as school renovations and educational projects, drinking water projects, setting up health camps, and environmental awareness activities.
In addition, cultural exchange ativities are when possible organised.
Besides working on projects, participants enjoy their stay with local host families as part of the Home Stay program.
The Nepal Tourism Board strongly support the programmes, taking the opportunities of activities to provide presentation about Nepal and its destinations as well as th role of NTB.
Resources:
* DB Gurung, Director of KEEP, 16.11.2009
* www.keepnepal.org
The program aims to provide opportunity for international travelers, volunteers, or students to assist communities through development projects during their stay in villages.
Development projects include running small scale community projects as school renovations and educational projects, drinking water projects, setting up health camps, and environmental awareness activities.
In addition, cultural exchange ativities are when possible organised.
Besides working on projects, participants enjoy their stay with local host families as part of the Home Stay program.
The Nepal Tourism Board strongly support the programmes, taking the opportunities of activities to provide presentation about Nepal and its destinations as well as th role of NTB.
Resources:
* DB Gurung, Director of KEEP, 16.11.2009
* www.keepnepal.org
Best Practices: Environmental Awareness in Nepal
The NGO "Kathmandu Environmentl Education Project" (KEEP) is at the forefront of disseminating information about tourism and its negative impact on Himalayan ecosystems. The Environmental Awareness Program, one of KEEP's key initiaitves, emphasizes educationof key stakeholders of the tourism industry about the environment, conservation, responsible tourism and tourism best practices.
As part of this program, KEEP runs video and slideshow presentations on various topics such as culture, trekking gently in the Himalayas, waste management, mountain safety, conservation, new tourism products, porter issues and campsite management.
In addition, clean-up campaigns are held every-years in partnership with Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT), Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)... These clean ups campaign were attended by the participants and instructors of KEEP's English language course (tourism professionals) as well as representatives of KMC, NRCT and STN, and the local communities.
Resources:
* DB Gurung, Director of KEEP, 16.11.09
* www.keepnepal.org
As part of this program, KEEP runs video and slideshow presentations on various topics such as culture, trekking gently in the Himalayas, waste management, mountain safety, conservation, new tourism products, porter issues and campsite management.
In addition, clean-up campaigns are held every-years in partnership with Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT), Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)... These clean ups campaign were attended by the participants and instructors of KEEP's English language course (tourism professionals) as well as representatives of KMC, NRCT and STN, and the local communities.
Resources:
* DB Gurung, Director of KEEP, 16.11.09
* www.keepnepal.org
On sustainability of Nepalese-Himalayan Trekking and Climbing
In the 50 years since Nepal opened its borders to outsiders, tourism has brought many benefits, in terms of wealth generation, employement opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare, education and transport, creating a level of social mobility that would have been unthinkable in the past. Many Nepalis who own trekking companies today worked as porters themselves 20 years ago.
Now over 450,000 tourists visit the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal every year. Nepal faces several social and environemental issues as a result of, or at least coumpounded by tourists' actions and expectations. Some negative effects of tourism are also clear to see: Begging is widspread; litter chokes mountain trails -Trekkers in Nepal leave behind an estimated 100 tonnes of unrecyclable water bottles every year-; new hotels and lodges are built at an unprecedented rate; forests are vanishing as lodge owners collect ever more firewood to keep trekkers supplied with warm showers and hot meals...
There is endless discussion among travellers about the most environmentally and culturally sensitive way to travel. What is certain is that making a positive contributuion is as much about the way travellers behave as the money they spend. A number of Gov and non-gov organisations are addressing the topics of sustainable development in Nepal. Among these:
* the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) aims to help minimize the negative influences of tourism by advocating and promoting "minimum impact trekking";
* the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) aims to develop new community-based environmentl and cultural tourism projects in rural areas
* also, a number of treeking agencies use the proceeds from their trips to support charitable projects around nepal, and many travellers also undertake sponsored treks and climbing expeditions in Nepal to raise money for specific charities and projects.
DB Gurung, Director of KEEP, spoke to me about how trekkers and mountaineers can minimise their footprint in Nepal. Here are his tipps on environmental issues:
* Stay at lodges that use alternative fuels for cooking;
* Don't make campfires and only take showers if the water is solar heated;
* Leave all non-bidegradable items at home and carry out anything you do bring in;
* Avoid drinks or foods in plastic wrappers, bottles and tins, and purify your own drinking water with iodine;
* Use biodegradable soaps for washing and take your batteries home for proper disposal;
and his tipps on social issues regarding porters:
* Provide porters with a fair wage;
* Do ot overload your porters, and provide adequate clothing;
* Ensure that the trek organiser takes care of its porters and provides them with medical and life insurance
Organisations and Resources on Responsible Tourism in Nepal-Himalaya:
* Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP): www.keepnepal.org
* Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP): www.welcome2nepal.com.cn/index-2.htm
* Trekking Gently in the Himalaya, Wendy Brewer Lama - essential tips for trekkers!
* World Expeditions: www.worldexpeditions.net / 'responsible travel' links
* Tourism Concern: www. tourismconcern.org.uk
Now over 450,000 tourists visit the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal every year. Nepal faces several social and environemental issues as a result of, or at least coumpounded by tourists' actions and expectations. Some negative effects of tourism are also clear to see: Begging is widspread; litter chokes mountain trails -Trekkers in Nepal leave behind an estimated 100 tonnes of unrecyclable water bottles every year-; new hotels and lodges are built at an unprecedented rate; forests are vanishing as lodge owners collect ever more firewood to keep trekkers supplied with warm showers and hot meals...
There is endless discussion among travellers about the most environmentally and culturally sensitive way to travel. What is certain is that making a positive contributuion is as much about the way travellers behave as the money they spend. A number of Gov and non-gov organisations are addressing the topics of sustainable development in Nepal. Among these:
* the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) aims to help minimize the negative influences of tourism by advocating and promoting "minimum impact trekking";
* the Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) aims to develop new community-based environmentl and cultural tourism projects in rural areas
* also, a number of treeking agencies use the proceeds from their trips to support charitable projects around nepal, and many travellers also undertake sponsored treks and climbing expeditions in Nepal to raise money for specific charities and projects.
DB Gurung, Director of KEEP, spoke to me about how trekkers and mountaineers can minimise their footprint in Nepal. Here are his tipps on environmental issues:
* Stay at lodges that use alternative fuels for cooking;
* Don't make campfires and only take showers if the water is solar heated;
* Leave all non-bidegradable items at home and carry out anything you do bring in;
* Avoid drinks or foods in plastic wrappers, bottles and tins, and purify your own drinking water with iodine;
* Use biodegradable soaps for washing and take your batteries home for proper disposal;
and his tipps on social issues regarding porters:
* Provide porters with a fair wage;
* Do ot overload your porters, and provide adequate clothing;
* Ensure that the trek organiser takes care of its porters and provides them with medical and life insurance
Organisations and Resources on Responsible Tourism in Nepal-Himalaya:
* Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP): www.keepnepal.org
* Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP): www.welcome2nepal.com.cn/index-2.htm
* Trekking Gently in the Himalaya, Wendy Brewer Lama - essential tips for trekkers!
* World Expeditions: www.worldexpeditions.net / 'responsible travel' links
* Tourism Concern: www. tourismconcern.org.uk
Best Practices: UIAA's Guidelines for Sustainable Mountain Tourism
The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) promotes the growth and protection of mountaineering and climbing worldwide by 1) preserving their spirit and traditions; 2) advancing safe and ethical mountain practices; 3) promoting responsible access, culture and environmental protection; and 4) Supporting youth participation and the Olympic movement.
The Access and Conservation commission of the UIAA has developed a set of guidelines on mountain tourism called the Argeo’s charter.
Theses guidelines are built on the belief that tourism is vitally important to ensure sustainable economic and social development for people living in mountain regions, but at the same time it is important to prevent tourism from destroying the environment and local cultures.
These guidelines focus on understanding and protecting the environment, preserving the cultural identity of the local mountain people and ensuring that mountain tourism really help the economic development of mountain areas.
These guidelines are meant as advice for communities who want to develop sustainable mountain tourism and want to avoid repeating the mistakes of some tourist regions in Europe.
links:
* Kathmandu Declaration: http://is.gd/29mt5
* UIAA ARGEO's Charter on Sustainable Mountaineering: http://is.gd/29lNx
On Human Impacts on the Andean Cordilleras
Andean Cordilleras are unique mountain paradise, and some are some of the planet's natural treasures. Their beuaty, quiet, and pure landscapes, however, are under threat. Three issues will have major impacts on the future of these mountain range. The outcome of each has yet to be determined: through proactive action, trekkers and climbers can make a positive impact.
The amount of garbage abandoned on trails in the Cordilleras is an issue of concern. If the international trekking and climbing community are able to solve this problem internally, perhaps we can avoid a fate similar to that of Machu Picchu in Perù. There, the Perù National Institute of Natural Resources has taken a heavy-handed approach to the garbage issue by requiring visistors to hire a guide (> USD 60 a day), limiting group sizes, and charging a USD 50 entrance fee (per person) - all control by an international profit-making organisation. The guide requirement especially infringes upon the opportunity for 'freedom of the hills'. If garbage is still an isue if/when each Cordillera become parks, administrators may take a heavy-handed stance. However, if garbage is no longer an issue, perhaps they will spend more of their time on trail and toilet construction, signage, and lobbying against the encroaching mine rather than on policing trekkers and climbers.
Trekking groups are the dominant source of garbage on Andean trails. Although trekkers themselves are often concscientious of the issue, they fail to tke proactive arole that is necessary to ameliorate the problem. Arrieros (donkey drivrs) are often left to break camp and prepare the donkeys for the day's trekwhile trekkers scurry ahead. This offers the windowof opportunity for arrieros to dump garbge. Coming from a life of economic struggles, arrieros understandably focus on matters such as ffeding a family rather than on maintaining clean trails. Trekkers and climbers should make it clear to the arriero that he is being paid to bring all garbage along and not dump it.
Create incentive for good behavior. Use the arriero contracts that guarantees part of wage only when the arriero presents the garbage at the end of the trip, and offer economic reward for picking up garbage that was already there. The aim is for arrieros to learn that trekkers value pristine wilderness and recgnise their own incentive in maintaining it.
The second major issue harming the Andean are industrial activities, especially mining. In the Cordillera Huayhuash, Japonese-owned Mitsui Mining & Smelting operates above Pallca, just below the western flanks of Rondoy. The impact of this project on both the environment and local inhabitants of the area has been sharply criticized. In 1995-96, Mitsui negatiated with the locals into allowing mining 'exploration' to continue. That was likely the last chance to completely halt the project. Since then, environmental groups have tried to keep Mitsui's presence in check. In june 1999, an aquifer was accidentally perforated causing the heavy situation of the Llamac River above the villages of Pocpa and Llamac. In the resulting confrontation between villagers and police who were guarding the mine , three villager were wounded when the police opened fire on protestors. The Cordillera Huayhuash has since officilaly became a Reserved Zone, which explicitly recognises the rights and traditional land use by local communities of this region. That case of the Huyahuash is common across the Andean and, hopefully, they should a more sustainable approach to use of natural resources should be taken. Some of the most beuatiful part of the Andes such as the Huayhuash should even gain the higher designation of a "Protected Landscape".
A third major issue presently threatening the Andean mountains is solid human waste and toilet paper. Many groups feel that it is unrealistic that they carry a bucket through the circuit for this purpose. The result is that boulders surrounding camps become smelly, unasanitary places. The cleanliness of the drinking water is under threat. As short-term solution, bring a steel shovel and dig small pit toilets. The long-term solution is to build pit or composting toilets. Trekkers and climbers can contribute to this cause by donating or volunteering with the organisation. (see: Best Practices: How to Build a Pit Toilet)
The amount of garbage abandoned on trails in the Cordilleras is an issue of concern. If the international trekking and climbing community are able to solve this problem internally, perhaps we can avoid a fate similar to that of Machu Picchu in Perù. There, the Perù National Institute of Natural Resources has taken a heavy-handed approach to the garbage issue by requiring visistors to hire a guide (> USD 60 a day), limiting group sizes, and charging a USD 50 entrance fee (per person) - all control by an international profit-making organisation. The guide requirement especially infringes upon the opportunity for 'freedom of the hills'. If garbage is still an isue if/when each Cordillera become parks, administrators may take a heavy-handed stance. However, if garbage is no longer an issue, perhaps they will spend more of their time on trail and toilet construction, signage, and lobbying against the encroaching mine rather than on policing trekkers and climbers.
Trekking groups are the dominant source of garbage on Andean trails. Although trekkers themselves are often concscientious of the issue, they fail to tke proactive arole that is necessary to ameliorate the problem. Arrieros (donkey drivrs) are often left to break camp and prepare the donkeys for the day's trekwhile trekkers scurry ahead. This offers the windowof opportunity for arrieros to dump garbge. Coming from a life of economic struggles, arrieros understandably focus on matters such as ffeding a family rather than on maintaining clean trails. Trekkers and climbers should make it clear to the arriero that he is being paid to bring all garbage along and not dump it.
Create incentive for good behavior. Use the arriero contracts that guarantees part of wage only when the arriero presents the garbage at the end of the trip, and offer economic reward for picking up garbage that was already there. The aim is for arrieros to learn that trekkers value pristine wilderness and recgnise their own incentive in maintaining it.
The second major issue harming the Andean are industrial activities, especially mining. In the Cordillera Huayhuash, Japonese-owned Mitsui Mining & Smelting operates above Pallca, just below the western flanks of Rondoy. The impact of this project on both the environment and local inhabitants of the area has been sharply criticized. In 1995-96, Mitsui negatiated with the locals into allowing mining 'exploration' to continue. That was likely the last chance to completely halt the project. Since then, environmental groups have tried to keep Mitsui's presence in check. In june 1999, an aquifer was accidentally perforated causing the heavy situation of the Llamac River above the villages of Pocpa and Llamac. In the resulting confrontation between villagers and police who were guarding the mine , three villager were wounded when the police opened fire on protestors. The Cordillera Huayhuash has since officilaly became a Reserved Zone, which explicitly recognises the rights and traditional land use by local communities of this region. That case of the Huyahuash is common across the Andean and, hopefully, they should a more sustainable approach to use of natural resources should be taken. Some of the most beuatiful part of the Andes such as the Huayhuash should even gain the higher designation of a "Protected Landscape".
A third major issue presently threatening the Andean mountains is solid human waste and toilet paper. Many groups feel that it is unrealistic that they carry a bucket through the circuit for this purpose. The result is that boulders surrounding camps become smelly, unasanitary places. The cleanliness of the drinking water is under threat. As short-term solution, bring a steel shovel and dig small pit toilets. The long-term solution is to build pit or composting toilets. Trekkers and climbers can contribute to this cause by donating or volunteering with the organisation. (see: Best Practices: How to Build a Pit Toilet)
On Sustainability of Peruvian Andinism
The Peruvian Cordilleras are being visited every year by more and more climbers and trekkers. The most popular climbs and treks around Huaraz, Cusco or Arequipa are at risks to show wear and tear. It is the responsibility of both local and visiting communities to protect and keep clean these amazing ecosystems and to sustainably develop tourism economies.
Structure of Peruvian Andinism:
The Mountain Institute (TMI) based in Huaraz brings a quarter century of scientific, field-based experience to address challenges and opportunity facing mountain cultures, communities and conservation. TMI coordinates integrated education, community development, and cultural and natural-heritage conservation programs in the Himalayas, Andes, and Appalachians - the world's highest, longest and oldest mountain ranges respectively. TMI's Andean Program aims to culture build the capacities of institutions, communities, and individuals to design, implement, and monitor community-based programs throughout the Andes.
The Asociación de Guías de Montaña del Peru (AGMP) has been working for more than 20 years with the UIAGM to raise the level of training and expertise of the Peruvian andinism. Above 100 certified-guides are available for hire, freelance, through the Casa de Guias, or through agencies. Guiding prices are around USD 80 per day, but varies depending peak grading. The Casa de Guias de Huaraz (AGMP-RA) gather 85 guides and is well suited to promote sustainable mountain activities in the Huaraz area. On top of providing mountain informations, it can mobilise a rescue using the PGMA network. The AGMP RC (Cusco) gathers 7 guides and the AGMP RAQ (Arequipa) gathers 8 guides.
National and local authorities are playing an active role in protecting the eco-systems but limited actions to sustainably develop touristic activies. The SENARP established in 1975 the Huascaran National Park with the purpose to protect and conserve flora, fauna, geologic features and archeological sites, as well as managing the use of the park by trekkers, climbers and sightseers. The first aspect is well full-filled as attest the designation by UNESCO of International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site as early as 1985. However, the development of touristic activities are controversial, as efforts from the Park administration to address problems caused by increased use of the more popular base camps are limited. Furthermore local communities are not benefiting from the touristic resources in there valley.
Sustainability of Peruvian Andinism:
* Promotion of Peruvian Andinism internationally is inexistant. Governemental and local authorities should coordinate this activities
* Problems caused by increased use of the more popular base camps, due to growing numbers of climbers especially in the Quebrada Santa Cruz to Llanganuco, is also a major concern. Although financing of improvement projects (eg. base camp toilets, ...) has started in 1997 with the set up of entry fees (NPS 65), initiatives remain sometime illogical - too bureaucratic.
* To improve sustainability of economic developments in Huaraz and the valleys, the administration of the Parque Nacional Huascaran should invovle local communities in environmental activies and touristic services. Individuals initiatives are usually slowed by bureaucratic measures. For example, a project for sustainable farming and tourisitic activities is being promoted by Christian Silva Lindo, a Huaraz aspirant-guide. "Pack Your Sense" includes productions of truits, woods and coca liquor by local communities, education programs of these local communities by certified-volonteers, and sustainable hostelling and touristic services to visiting communities. Located as the base of the Quebrada Ishinca, the administration of the Parque Nacional Huascaran should take measures to faciliate the implementation of such projects.
Resources:
* Alfredo Quintana Figueroa, MountClimb, Huaraz, 06.06.09
* Christian Silva Lindo, Aspirante Guia, www.breaking the iceperu.com, 06.06.09
* The Casa de Guias, Huaraz, +43 721811
* The Mountain Institute, Andean Regional Office, Huaraz - tmiperu@mail.cosapidata.com.pe
Structure of Peruvian Andinism:
The Mountain Institute (TMI) based in Huaraz brings a quarter century of scientific, field-based experience to address challenges and opportunity facing mountain cultures, communities and conservation. TMI coordinates integrated education, community development, and cultural and natural-heritage conservation programs in the Himalayas, Andes, and Appalachians - the world's highest, longest and oldest mountain ranges respectively. TMI's Andean Program aims to culture build the capacities of institutions, communities, and individuals to design, implement, and monitor community-based programs throughout the Andes.
The Asociación de Guías de Montaña del Peru (AGMP) has been working for more than 20 years with the UIAGM to raise the level of training and expertise of the Peruvian andinism. Above 100 certified-guides are available for hire, freelance, through the Casa de Guias, or through agencies. Guiding prices are around USD 80 per day, but varies depending peak grading. The Casa de Guias de Huaraz (AGMP-RA) gather 85 guides and is well suited to promote sustainable mountain activities in the Huaraz area. On top of providing mountain informations, it can mobilise a rescue using the PGMA network. The AGMP RC (Cusco) gathers 7 guides and the AGMP RAQ (Arequipa) gathers 8 guides.
National and local authorities are playing an active role in protecting the eco-systems but limited actions to sustainably develop touristic activies. The SENARP established in 1975 the Huascaran National Park with the purpose to protect and conserve flora, fauna, geologic features and archeological sites, as well as managing the use of the park by trekkers, climbers and sightseers. The first aspect is well full-filled as attest the designation by UNESCO of International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site as early as 1985. However, the development of touristic activities are controversial, as efforts from the Park administration to address problems caused by increased use of the more popular base camps are limited. Furthermore local communities are not benefiting from the touristic resources in there valley.
Sustainability of Peruvian Andinism:
* Promotion of Peruvian Andinism internationally is inexistant. Governemental and local authorities should coordinate this activities
* Problems caused by increased use of the more popular base camps, due to growing numbers of climbers especially in the Quebrada Santa Cruz to Llanganuco, is also a major concern. Although financing of improvement projects (eg. base camp toilets, ...) has started in 1997 with the set up of entry fees (NPS 65), initiatives remain sometime illogical - too bureaucratic.
* To improve sustainability of economic developments in Huaraz and the valleys, the administration of the Parque Nacional Huascaran should invovle local communities in environmental activies and touristic services. Individuals initiatives are usually slowed by bureaucratic measures. For example, a project for sustainable farming and tourisitic activities is being promoted by Christian Silva Lindo, a Huaraz aspirant-guide. "Pack Your Sense" includes productions of truits, woods and coca liquor by local communities, education programs of these local communities by certified-volonteers, and sustainable hostelling and touristic services to visiting communities. Located as the base of the Quebrada Ishinca, the administration of the Parque Nacional Huascaran should take measures to faciliate the implementation of such projects.
Resources:
* Alfredo Quintana Figueroa, MountClimb, Huaraz, 06.06.09
* Christian Silva Lindo, Aspirante Guia, www.breaking the iceperu.com, 06.06.09
* The Casa de Guias, Huaraz, +43 721811
* The Mountain Institute, Andean Regional Office, Huaraz - tmiperu@mail.cosapidata.com.pe
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