President Paudel Urges Protection of Mt. Everest's Natural Form

Kathmandu. President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged stakeholders to keep the natural form of the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest, alive and protect the Himalayan environment. President Paudel made this appeal while addressing a program organized in the presence of mountaineers from around the world on the eve of International Everest Day, May 29.

Mt. Everest is not only Nepal's geographical identity but also the nation's prestige, pride, and an invaluable natural asset to the world. President Paudel expressed the view that sustainable support to the country's economy through the tourism sector can only be achieved through its conservation and balanced use.

He mentioned that such conferences hold special significance for meaningful discussions on the multifaceted aspects of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, and for increasing international cooperation and dialogue. The President expressed concern over the challenges arising in the Himalayan region due to global temperature rise and climate change.

President Paudel stated that sustainable Himalayan tourism and responsible mountaineering are the primary needs of today, expressing confidence that the conference will utilize the knowledge gained during mountaineering for the vitality of Mt. Everest. Discussing the historical significance of mountain tourism that began with the first successful ascent by courageous mountaineers Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 1953, the President paid tribute to the record-breaking climbers and the Sherpa community who have contributed to spreading Nepal's name worldwide through mountaineering.