Speakers Emphasize Global Responsibility for Himalayan Conservation Amidst Climate Change Risks

KATHMANDU. Speakers at an event organized on the occasion of the 73rd International Sagarmatha Day have stated that the Himalayan region is at risk due to climate change, and that the conservation of the Himalayas should be taken as a national as well as a global responsibility.

At the event jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Tourism Board, and the Department of Tourism on Friday, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadgraj Poudel 'Ganesh' said that Sagarmatha is not just a peak to be conquered, but a symbol of spiritual experience and courage for human civilization.

“Sagarmatha is not something to be conquered. It is an experience. Perhaps, not everyone is destined for that experience,” said Minister Poudel. “The Himalayas are not just ours, but a shared property of the world. We cannot remain safe unless we protect the Himalayas.”

He warned that the melting of snow in the Himalayas is accelerating due to the increase in global temperature, and its effects will be felt from the coastal areas of the earth to human life. “Sagarmatha and other Himalayas are at risk. Consciousness of humanity must be higher than the height of the Himalayas,” he said.

At the program, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mukund Prasad Niroula said that the rapid impact of climate change is becoming visible in the Himalayan region, and saving the Himalayas is the foremost necessity today. “Climate change is increasing rapidly, saving the Himalayas is today’s necessity,” said Secretary Niroula.

Nepal Association of Mountaineering Associations Chairman Fur Geljen Sherpa mentioned the significant role of the private sector in promoting mountain tourism in Nepal and said that the new tourism act should be private sector-friendly.

“Since 2033 BS, we have been continuously working for the development of Nepal's Himalayas, the convenience of climbers, and making mountain tourism known to the world,” he said. “The government alone will not achieve anything without the support of the private sector. Therefore, the tourism act must be private sector-friendly.”

At the program, Director General of the Department of Tourism Ramkrishna Lamichhane informed that seven people, including foreign climbers and Nepali Sherpa guides, lost their lives during the climbing of Sagarmatha and other mountains in this year's spring climbing season. He also informed that some Nepali and foreign climbers are undergoing treatment in Nepal and abroad.

Director General Lamichhane said that Sagarmatha Day should be taken as an opportunity to review the conservation, development, management, and promotion of mountain tourism, along with new ideas, studies, and research. “Conservation of the Himalayan region, international promotion of the mountain ranges connected with Nepali identity, development of systems to maintain ecological balance, and good governance in tourism are today’s necessities,” he said.

He also expressed the expectation that the under-construction tourism bill will provide excellent and practical management in the mountain tourism sector.

Various awards were presented at the program to individuals who have contributed to Sagarmatha climbing, search and rescue, study-research, and the mountain tourism sector.

Among these, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who has climbed Sagarmatha 31 times, was awarded the 'International Sagarmatha Award', helicopter pilot Priya Adhikari was awarded the 'Tenzing-Hillary Search and Rescue Award', Tenzing David Sherpa was awarded the 'Tenzing-Hillary Record Climbing Award', and Purnima Shrestha was awarded the 'Pema Doma Woman Climber Award'.

Similarly, Geographer Prof. Dr. Bishalnath Upreti was awarded the 'Tenzing-Hillary Study and Research Award' for his contribution to the study and research of the Nepali Himalayan region.

The contribution of the 'Icefall Doctor' team, which installs ropes in the Sagarmatha Khumbu Icefall region, the rope-fixing team that opens routes on Sagarmatha and Lhotse mountains, and the liaison officers deployed at the temporary field office of the Department of Tourism was also praised at the program.

This year's International Sagarmatha Day was celebrated with the slogan 'Sagarmatha Identity and Pride'. The program specially emphasized the sustainability of mountain tourism, Himalayan conservation, challenges of climate change, and the preservation of Himalayan culture.