Three-year partnership to promote eco-friendly adventure tourism, environmental protection and cultural exchange
KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 14
The International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in sustainable mountain tourism, environmental conservation, and cultural exchange. The agreement was formalised in Guizhou, China, during the International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2025 held on November 11.
The three-year MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between IMTA, the world's first global body dedicated to mountain tourism, and EAN, a Nepal-based organisation promoting sustainable mountaineering and environmental stewardship.
Under the partnership, the two organisations will coordinate exchange programmes involving mountaineers, trainers and technical experts in sustainable mountaineering, rescue management and outdoor safety. They will also conduct joint rescue demonstrations, leadership workshops and eco-focused training sessions.
The MoU further outlines cooperation on international climbing expeditions, cultural festivals, adventure competitions and conferences aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and cross-cultural understanding. Events will include eco-friendly mountaineering contests, sustainable adventure races and cultural exhibitions highlighting traditional ecological knowledge.
Both parties will share expertise on outdoor adventure management, environmental risk assessments and sustainable tourism practices. Training and mentorship programmes for young climbers and guides will also be developed to promote responsible leadership in the mountaineering community.
Environmental protection remains a key component of the agreement. IMTA and EAN will run joint campaigns focused on waste management, trail maintenance and clean-up activities. Community engagement programmes will raise awareness on climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable trekking. The two bodies also plan to collaborate on research related to the environmental impacts of adventure tourism.
The MoU signing coincided with the conclusion of the international conference, which drew more than 350 participants from 30 countries and regions. Key events included the IMTA Annual Conference, International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference and an exhibition on mountain culture and outdoor sports.
IMTA also inked cooperation agreements with other global institutions, including the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and released a special publication titled Innovation in Mountain Tourism and Community Co-development. Awards were presented to eight "World Famous Tourism Mountains" and six "International Mountain Hiking Demonstration Routes."
