Updates from the Nepal Mountaineering Association
January 25, 2010
The Ministers’ Cabinet of the Government of Nepal held a special meeting at Kala Patthar Plateau (5,542 m) on December 4th near Mt. Everest Base Camp, to raise awareness about the impact of Climate Change on Nepal. Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and 23 other ministers attended the meeting, where a 10 point ‘Declaration’ was released which calls for concerted actions to minimize adverse effects of climate change in the Himalayan region
The meeting held at such a high altitude was substantial in drawing attention to the dangers of climate change and global warming on the Himalayas, days before UN negotiations on climate change in Copenhagen. This meeting gained worldwide media coverage and it showed the commitment of the Nepalese Government towards the burning issues of Climate Change and the mountain environment.
Following this, Summiteers Summit to Save the Himalayas was organized by the Government of Nepal in Copenhagen to mark the International Mountain Day on December 11, 2009. Led by honorable Minister for Forestry and Soil conservation, Mr. Deepak Bohora, this rally was an accompanying event in the 15th session of UNFCCC conference. The objective of this program was to draw attention of international community towards the Himalayas and the impacts of Climate Change on the Himalayas so that the important role of the Himalaya mountain region in regulating global climate regime can be well recognized by all. This event was a humble request to the world community to pay greater attention to the challenges of climate change in the mountains and to value their unique contribution to the global ecology. Also please visit :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2009/dec/10/copenhagen-sherpa-himalayas
On behalf of the Government of Nepal, as President of Nepal Mountaineering Association and Union of Asian Alpine Association, I had the great pleasure to co-ordinate the gathering of International Mountaineers from all over the world in Copenhagen for this event. A large number of people (estimated between 900-1200 by the Copenhagen police), including 35 renowned Nepalese Mt.Everest summiteers, many international Mt.Everest and 8,000 m peaks summiteers, celebrities of International repute, Nepalese living abroad and supporters from all over the world with a concern for global climate change gathered and marched together in the streets of Copenhagen to highlight the challenges faced by the Himalaya in the context of global warming.
The event also included other activities such as the “Himalaya- Changing Landscapes” photo exhibition; a cultural program by a Sherpa cultural group and a Danish band; speeches by mountaineering leaders and icons and the issue declaration to Save the Himalayas. Nepal Mountaineering Association along with several organizations such as Nepal’s National Trust for Nature Conservation, ICIMOD, WWF, Nepal Tourism Board, the World Bank, Danish Embassy, Union of Asian Alpine Association, ESA, and NRN joined hands with the government to launch this special event.
Just ahead of the Climate Change talks in Copenhagen, my son Dawa Steven along with renowned mountaineer Apa Sherpa, 19th times Mt.Everest Summiteers went on a “European Expedition“. On expedition they visited 10 major European cities. They attended various events and exhibitions, participated in many talks, gave lectures and presentations, met high- profile politicians and celebrities, and spoke to the media delivering the message from Himalayan communities who are on the front line to face the impacts of climate change. The ‘European Expedition’ was part of the Climate for Life campaign of WWF and directed to raise the profile of the Himalayas in the global climate debate. Dawa Steven and Apa are both Ambassadors for the Climate for Life campaign.
Starting from Prague, Dawa Steven and Apa passed through Brno, Bratislava, London, Viterbo, Gland, Chamonix, Vienna, Brussels, Paris and finally to Copenhagen. In London, Dawa Steven spoke to Members of Parliament at Westminster. In Gland (Switzerland), Dawa and Apa met Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International and were awarded “Leaders of a Living Planet” the Highest award for conservation given by WWF. Dawa Steven also informed the Austrian President about Nepal’s problems in the face of Climate Change and handed over the summit rocks to the President. Similarly in Brussels (Belgium), Dawa Steven spoke at a Climate Change rally to 13,000 people and participated in round table talks at the European Parliament where members of Parliament, South Asian Nation Ambassadors and officials of the European Commission were present. In Paris, they handed over the Prime Minister’s
Letter to the Chief of Protocol of the President’s Office. Also please visit:
http://www.climate4life.org
Looking forward to an exciting New Year, we also have many programs planned.
Mt. Dhaulagiri Golden Jubilee will be celebrated on 28 May 2010 and on the same day Save the Himalaya Conference will be held. On 29 May 2010, various programs will be organized to celebrate International Everest Day.
Conforming to the success of Imja Tsho Action Event 2009, Dawa Steven Sherpa and his iDEAS team will organize Imja Tsho Action Event 2010 this year also on 10 June 2010. The run titled Beat the GLOF Action Run will start from Imja Lake (5010 m) and end at Khumjung Village covering a total distance of about 35 kilometers. Following the Action Run on 11 June 2010 will be Save the Himalaya – Khumbu Festival at Khumjung Village to focus on the mountain communities, the mountain environment and the impacts on them due to climate change. Also please visit
www.theuiaa.org/act_mountain_protection.html
Eco Everest Expedition 2010 will take place this year with a special program. This year Dawa Steven and his Eco Everest Expedition team has planned to collect and bring down garbage from the Mountain, including at altitudes as high as 8000 m and above. The plan is to create a team of 10 Sherpas to clean up garbage and debris from such high altitudes. This year’s expedition targets to bring down 1000 kgs of debris from high altitude (above Camp 2) and 6000 kgs of debris from Camp 2 and below.
Best Wishes,
Ang Tshering Sherpa
International Mountain Bicycling Association
January 7, 2010
The International Mountain Bicycling Association is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 35,000 individual members, more than 750 bicycle clubs, more than 160 corporate partners and about 600 bicycle retailers. IMBA’s members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries.
IMBA coordinates many projects and programs to achieve our mission. We have included a just a few below.
IMBA Destinations Program
New for 2010, this program directs mountain bikers to our member companies who provide valuable services for the mountain bike traveler, including accommodations, tour operators and more. Resources include an on-line destinations member map, destination-specific mountain biking information, mountain biking tourism research, and voluntourism opportunities through IMBA’s upcoming Trips for Trails program. IMBA plans to offer travel to experience and participate in IMBA’s work abroad, ride in exotic locations on incredible trails and connect with fellow riding enthusiasts from the destination region.
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew
The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program travels throughout North America, hosting free trailbuilding schools for land managers, local mountain bike clubs, and other community members. These are two-day weekend clinics that include classroom training, on the trail assessments, and actual trail construction and maintenance work.
National Mountain Bike Patrol
IMBA directs this program to help establish, certify, and operate mountain bike patrols in parks, open spaces, and public lands throughout America. These patrols educate trail users on proper etiquette, potential hazards, and assist any users in need.
Trail Solutions Consulting
Trail Solutions is IMBA’s professional trail consulting program, offering flexible, fee-based trail services that range from trail planning, design, and construction to education and problem solving.
IMBA in Washington D.C.
IMBA works with the federal government, the US Congress, and the three federal land managment agencies – the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service – to help ensure the future of off-road cycling.
Chitral Association for Mountain Area Tourism (CAMAT)
January 7, 2010
Organization Mission/Purpose
CAMAT’s mission is to promote culturally-rooted and environmentally-friendly tourism as a vehicle for poverty reduction in the Hindu Kush Mountains and northern Pakistan as a whole. We have been instrumental in highlighting the peaceful traditional cultures of the Kalash, Kho and Wakhi communities in northern Chitral and have developed the same as potential tourism product. The communities in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, who have their own peculiar cultural heritage, are the primary potential tourism attraction in Pakistan, let alone the Hindu Kush region.
Kalash people in the three valleys—Birir, Bumborate and Rumbor—boast rich and colorful indigenous culture characterized by religious festivals e.g. Chaomost, Chilimjosht, Phool and Rut Nut. Kalash wooden images and wood carving has been recognized among travelers as an invaluable souvenir. It is purchased for decoration in museums around the world. In respect of women participating in the activities of everyday life, the Kalash are head and shoulders above their Muslim counterparts in the region.
Terichmir Peak
It is worth noting that Kalash are nomads and heavily depend on livestock as source of income, meat and diary produce and so on. Goat is the symbol in the Kalash culture. During festivals and funeral feast in particular, hundreds of goats are killed. However, the degradation of the natural environment and deforestation has negatively impacted the population of goat, which will likely threaten the very core of the culture and religious practices of these communities.
Shandur Polo
Kho communities trace their origin mostly to Central Asia from where their ancestors migrated to present day Chitral. They are hospitable and friendly people with a comparatively high degree of tolerance. There are famous Kho cuisines such as ‘chirashapik’, ‘ghalmandi’, ‘karhi’ and ‘poshor tiki’ to be consumed with great relish for their tastiness. Freestyle polo is the most popular sport played during Jashan-e-Shandur [Jul 7, 8, 9 every year], Jashan-e-Qaqalasht [in the first week of May] and Jashan-e-Chitral [a one week festival starts in the last week of September]. People from the remote valleys and villages come to participate in these cultural events with great enthusiasm. The contest between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit at the Shandur polo ground is a sensational one. The spectators from both Chitral and Gilgit are thrilled to watch the standard freestyle polo here. Likewise, paragliding has become one of the popular sports among the younger generations in the Chitral district in recent years. At present there are 15 newly trained paragliders who perform during festivals e.g. Jashan-e-Chitral, Jashan-e-Shandur and the like. Paragliding is likely to become another vital tourism product that will bring in national and international paragliders to the region.
Wakhi communities along the Wakhan Corridor in the Eastern Pamir speak Dari Persian and Wakhi language. They have unambiguous ethnic linkages with their ancestors in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Badakhshan province of Afghanistan and so on. They showcase quite unique cultural assets in respect of ‘buzkashi’ and ‘yakpolo’. The handicrafts, folksongs and folkdances are unique and worth appreciating. Craftsmen prepare coats and shoes from raw leather to keep them warm throughout the harshest of the six month winter. Cattle-rearing is the mainstay of the local economy, which they sell once a year and store food items for the long winter. In recent years Jashan-e-Broghil [Broghil Festival] has become famous and many national and international tourists have shown interest in this unique cultural event.
The landscape of the Eatern Pamir (Wakhan Corridor) is incredibly beautiful with more than forty lakes of different size and altitude of which Kurambar is the highest and the largest one. Marmot, grey wolves and a range of flora and fauna could be other sources of attraction.
Products and/or Services
In view of the characteristics of the above destinations, it becomes pertinent to diversify tourism products and spread services equally throughout the region so that the benefit will be equally distributed amongst the communities and stakeholders. Our packages and services are as followed:
- Adventure Tours/Mountaineering
- Trekking Info/Services
- Cultural Tours
- Traditional Music
- Paragliding
- Horse Riding
- Wildlife Watching
- Cycling from Chitral to Gilgit
- Vehicle Services
- Guiding Services
- Tour Kalasha Valleys
- Tour Northern Chitral
- Tour Northern Areas
Primary Market/s-Audiences Served
CAMAT envisages market expansion in South America, North America, Europe, South Asia, Far East and Central Asia. Northern Pakistan, Chitral in particular has a history of tourism with visitors from the above stated markets. Capitalizing on past linkages and experiences, we would like to undertake fresh initiatives to expand our market in different continents worldwide.
Geographic Reach/Areas of Operation
Northern Pakistan—NWFP, Malakand division, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan—is the northernmost part of country. It has a healthy natural environment, fresh water resources [falls, rivers and springs] and lofty peaks [Terich Mir, Saraghrar, Noshaq]. The Terich valley has always been a source of fascination for mountaineers in the past. With picturesque landscapes offering tremendous potential for trekking, and 32 natural trails of different altitude and length, it is a paradise for trekkers and alpinists. Likewise, Nanga Parbat, Broad peak, Lady Finger and a range of other peaks in Gilgit-Batistan attract a large number of adventure travelers and mountaineers.
The total population of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan is estimated to be more than 120,000 – peaceful, hospitable, friendly and helpful people with a rich tourism background over the last 300 years.
While CAMAT’s areas of operation have been throughout Pakistan, we operate in the North West Frontier Province with particular focus on the Hindu Kush region, that is to say, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.
We are cognizant of the reality that without proper and effective partnering with other tourism partners, companies and association worldwide, it is obviously unlikely to promote the cause of tourism by agencies and companies working in the less developed region of the world. CAMAT is thankful to the Adventure Trade Travel Association (ATTA) membership that will create an opportunity for linkage development considered as a mile stone in promoting tourism in northern Pakistan.
Searching and targeting new markets is one of our major interests in becoming members of ATTA’s august network. For us it’s a launching pad to highlight, share and market our destination, products and services. The peace, friendliness and hospitality of the communities in northern Pakistan—Chitral and Gilgit in particular—together with the natural environment has to be harnessed for the economic and social welfare of the local communities in the Kalash, Kho and Wakhi regions as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan. In conclusion, we believe the membership will open up new tourism vistas.
CAMAT plans to enhance partnership opportunities and working relations with like-minded tourism businesses, companies and association worldwide. This will afford us ample opportunities of mutual learning and reinforcing the aspects of capacity building, knowledge sharing and most importantly building viable partnerships for the mutual benefit of us all.
For further details you can be in contact at the following address:
Shams Uddin
CAMAT [Chitral Association for Mountain Area Tourism]
NWFP, Pakistan
Tel: +92 943 413540, 413708
Cell: +92 302 5975059
Email: camatchitral@yahoo.com
Website: www.ecoclub.com/c/blog/camatchitral
Wild Scotland
September 15, 2009
Scottish Wildlife and Nature Tourism Operators Association
Contact: Caroline Warburton, Manager
Email: info@wild-scotland.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)845 226 0978
Web: www.wild-scotland.org.uk
Wild Scotland
When people think about wildlife watching destinations, they often think of the places where they might see the large, attention-grabbing species, such as elephants or tigers. Do people think of Scotland? I suspect not, but we’re trying to change that!
In Scotland we may not have lions or polar bears, however thousands of people come wildlife watching in Scotland each year. In fact we reckon that have some of the best wildlife-watching experiences in Europe.
Some of the Best Wildlife Watching in Europe? OK, convince me…
There can’t be many places that have such as varied range of wildlife watching activities on offer, here are some suggestions of what you might see:
- from the iconic, such as our ‘Famous Grouse’ and majestic red deer, to the charismatic, our puffin colonies never fail to keep people entertained;
- from the numerous, over 6 million seabird nest on our coast each year, to the rare and endangered, there may be fewer than 400 Scottish wildcats left in the wild;
- and from our giants of the sea, such as the minke whales and basking sharks that visit our waters each summer, to our smallest (or ‘wee’ as we say in Scotland) creatures, such as the Orkney vole, Canna mouse or the tiny goldcrest.
This wildlife can be enjoyed on foot, from a boat, on a bicycle, by sea-kayak or from the comfort of a 4×4 or minibus. Across our membership we can cater for all interests, ages and abilities. If you’re interested in nature, then Scotland is a great destination whatever the time of year, and we have great outdoor activities, food and hospitality as well. What more do you need..?
What About Wild Scotland? What do we do?
Wild Scotland is a not-for-profit membership organisation that works to support, develop and encourage nature tourism businesses in Scotland. We are a business association and focus on the many businesses that deliver the best wildlife-watching experiences in Scotland. The association’s vision is for Scotland to be Europe’s No.1 wildlife-watching destination and the achievement of this vision steers our activities. Currently comprising 80 members, we encourage Scottish wildlife tourism whilst also safeguarding Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.
Wild Scotland encourages and supports the development and promotion of nature tourism in ways that are sustainable, environmentally, socially and economically. We are the first association of its kind in the UK and were formed in 2003 by concerned wildlife tourism operators who, noticing the rise in interest in wildlife tourism, were keen to ensure that wildlife watching was encouraged but within sustainable boundaries.
Wild Scotland members come from across the country and activities include whale-watching, bird-watching, safaris, horse-riding, sea-kayaking, trekking and cycling. They understand the importance of providing high standards of customer care, quality of service and visitor safety, and are committed to sustainable and responsible attitudes to wildlife and the environment in Scotland. These basic principles are laid out in the Wild Scotland Best Practice Wildlife Watching Guidelines, which all Wild Scotland members 
agree to follow. The guidelines were recognised at the first World Responsible Tourism Day which was held at the World Travel Market in London in 2008.
The group shares ideas, expertise and resources in order to provide visitors with enjoyable, rewarding and responsible experiences, and we hope that by working with ATTA we can further develop those ideas through discussion with a wider group of adventure travel providers. We look forward to working with you all.
For more info, visit our website: www.wild-scotland.org.uk
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