Paper presentation on "Mountaineering Tourism and mountaineers" - 5 July 2009

NMA organized paper presentation program titled "Mountaineering Tourism and Mountaineers" on 5 July 2009 included with suggestions expressed in Summiteers Gathering on 21 June. The paper was presented by ex-tourism Secretary Mr. Dipendra Purush Dhakal. The chief guest for the program, Minister for Information and Communication Shanker Pokharel inaugurated the program by lighting the panas. The presentation mentioning Sherpas as unknown diamond focused on the importance of mountaineers for the uplift of mountain tourism. The paper also explained on the need of honor that the mountaineers should receive for their contribution in the mountaineering sector. Mr. Dhakal mentioned some of welfare activities for the children of deceased mountaineers conducted by NMA and termed them as insufficient in comparison to their contribution. Altogether nine participants expressed their views on the presentation.

Mr. Dhakal presenting his paper

They opined some of the important facts left out in the presentation. They raised issues related with mountaineering like insurance, salary, social security etc. The summiteers also demanded for the establishment of well equipped mountaineering academy to produce qualified mountaineers, removal of the requirement of SLC graduate to become liaison officer for Everest summiteers, royalty fee free for Nepalese climber, national recognition for the reputed mountaineers in order to stop them leaving country etc.

Distinguished guests on the days

In the program, the chief guest gave assurance to the climbers that their voice would be put forward in the concerned platform. He also expressed his feelings regarding the injustice, insecure future of the mountaineers and showed his solidarity to obtain their rights. Hon'ble Members of Constituent Assembly Mr. Jip Chiring Lama and Ms. Ang Dawa Sherpa also requested government to listen the voices of summiteers. They expressed their dissatisfaction over the pitiable condition of some of the famous mountaineers like Ang Rita Sherpa. They also raised concern to the people living in the Himalayan region and demanded for the usage of income generated from the mountains in those regions. Finally, NMA taskforce convener Mr. Ranjan Krishna Aryal concluded the programs with vote of thanks. He also expressed his assurance to the mountaineers that raised issues will be forwarded to the concerned department of the government.

Manaslu Cleaning Campaign 2009- 12 July 2009

A concluding press conference was organized at NMA to inform about the successful completion of Manaslu Cleaning Campaign 2009. Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal sponsored the campaign. Members from MoTCA, NMA, UNITRAV, Nepal Mountaineering Instructors' Association, Langtang Tourism Development Committee and Nepal Tourism Workers' Association participated in the cleaning expedition. According to press release, 4000 kg of burnable garbage was burnt and other 3000 kg non-burnable garbage was handed to the local development committee for disposal. Convener for the campaign, Ms. Maya Gurung stressed the need of important role that should be played by trekking agencies for the management of garbage. The trekking agencies must organize orientation program for their staff, trekking group about environment, garbage disposal before commencing expedition. The press conference was chaired by Mr. Ranjan Krishna Aryal, Convener, NMA Taskforce. TAAN President Mr. Jyoti Adhikari and Mr, Leela Baniya, representative, Nepal Tourism Board were also present in the program.

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Basic Mountaineering Course 2009 to be started- 14 July 2009

The regular annual program of NMA- Basic Mountaineering Course 2009 is going to be started from 15 August 2009. NMA has started distributing application form for the training.

Request for JICA volunteer- 14 July 2009

NMA has requested Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for senior volunteer to work at its International Mountain Museum, Pokhara having sound knowledge about mountain museum management with a special focus on Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). The volunteer will be deputed to study deeply about GLOF and disseminate information to increase awareness about its influence among the local people.

IMM office time changed- 25 July 2009

NMA taskforce fixed the office hour of International Mountain Museum as 10:00 am - 5:00 pm effective from 16 July.

Banner sponsor for 15th Nepal Cargo Day- 29 July 2009

NMA sponsored banner worth Rs. 15,000/- for 15th Nepal Cargo Day on 29 July organized by Nepal Freight Forwarders' Association.