KATHMANDU, MAY 20
US Nepal Climbers Association and Everest Awaking held an interaction with the visiting leader of Nepal Mountaineering Association in New York City.
During a meet and greet event with NMA General Secretary Mohan Lamsal, several issues including climate change, it's consequences, NMA's role in mitigating crisis, himalayan environment, insurance policies for mountain workers and their safety among others were discussed.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradip Shrestha from Travel Bureau of Nepal, USA, lamented that Nepal Tourism Board and other concerned government agencies were reluctant to promote Nepal in international market. "These organisations never support events woking to promote Nepal," Shrestha said.
Pema Chhewang Sherpa, founder of Everest Awakening, said that mountain expeditions brought in millions of dollars every year to Nepal but the government hasn't done anything to support climber communities.
"The government has announced the welfare fund for climbing guides, but, according to government officials and expedition leaders, it has never been activated," Sherpa pointed out.
The existing insurance policies are not sufficient to address the climbers' woes, Sherpa said, adding that rescue insurance amount of $3000, for instance, couldn't cover all costs.
US Nepal Climbers Association President Passang Nima Sherpa said that climate change was taking its toll on himalayan community. "We should be serious on the matter of climate crisis and organisations like NMA must take initiatives to cut emissions," Sherpa said.
Helicopter operations to the himalayan region is also a challenge, stated Sherpa. Mingmar Lama, 1st Vice President of USNCA, said that luxury service in the Everest base camp was killing the essence of real mountaineering. "Alpinism and true spirit of climbing are on the verge of extinction," Nima Gyalgen Sherpa said.
Sarap Jangbu, Founder President of US Nepal Climbers Association, said that an urgent action was needed from the stakeholders to address the contentious issues. The participants highlighted a need to increase insurance amount to climbers.
NMA General Secretary Lamsal responded to the participants saying NMA would work for the betterment of climbing industry. "We will lobby with the government to raise insurance amount for Sherpa climbers and work to minimize adverse impact of climate change in the Himalayan region," he said.
NMA is always ready to work with USNCA and Everest Awakening for the wellbeing of climbing communities, Lamsal concluded.
