KATHMANDU, APRIL 01

A natural park in central Italy has appointed a renowned Nepali climber as its goodwill ambassador.

The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park appointed Phurba Tenjing Sherpa from Rolwaling, Dolakha as its goodwill ambassador, the park authority announced.

Amidst a function organized by We Will Rise Foundation and attended by former minister Parbat Gurung and dignitaries, park president Tommasso Navarra handed over an appointment letter to Sherpa nominating him as the park's goodwill ambassador.

According to parks Italy website, Gran Sasso and Monti della park covers a surface area of 150,000 hectares. 'It is one of the largest parks in Italy. The Park consists of three mountain groups: Gran Sasso d'Italia chain, Laga massif, and Gemelli Mountains. The Park is also characterized by the presence of the highest peak of the Apennines, Corno Grande (2,912 meters).'

Sherpa, who was born in Dolakha district in 1988 ,has ascended the Mt Everest 15 times, while he has records for climbing the highest peak of the world twice within three days and nine times within the age between 17 and 24.

Sherpa, the owner of Dreamers Destination Trek, is among eight siblings from Rolwaling who summited Mt Everest creating a world record with most siblings scaling the mountain.

The eight siblings include Pemba Gyalzen Sherpa (climbed four times), Phurba Thundu Sherpa (two times), Pemba Dorje Sherpa (21 times), Nima Gyalzen Sherpa (nine times), Phurba Tenjing Sherpa (15 times), Phurba Thile Sherpa (five times), Dawa Diki Sherpa (one time) and Nima Lhamu Sherpa (one time).

On the occasion, Rolwaling Valley and Gran Sasso National Park also exchanged a letter of friendship to enhance cooperation between the two institutions.

President Navarra hoped that Phurba's appointment as an ambassador will help strengthen tourism cooperation between Nepal and Europe. 'It's a proud moment for me to promote Nepal in European market being a goodwill ambassador of the largest national park in Italy,' Sherpa reacted.