Nepal
Tourism
News . com
- Recent News - travel , trekking, expedition
and more .. ...
trekking in nepal , nepal trekking, nepal trekking news, nepal travel news, visit nepal, nepal information, trek info
|
Sustainable Tourism Vs EnvironmentSunday - 17th December 2006 |
| RECENTLY, Nepal was host to a major international gathering that focussed its attention on the emerging problems concerning mountaineering, livelihoods and environment. It is evident that there is great concern over maintaining a balance between development and the environment, which again impinges on the livelihood of the people not only in Nepal but elsewhere in the world as well. The Himalaya Tourism Conference 2006 was a landmark that brought together mountaineers, experts in the fields of mountaineering, tourism and environment. It was the first international level conference since the April people's movement that reestablished democracy and the country's foray into a newer and encouraging direction. It was a privilege for Nepal to be able to host the conference in Kathmandu. Herein, it may be worthwhile remembering that tourism is important for the country's economic growth, but it impact on the environment cannot be ignored. A major concern the world over in recent times is global warming. Scientists are worried that the whole Arctic ice may disappear in the next 30-40 years. This is a signal of a looming catastrophe. The ecology and the environment are bound to feel the negative impacts of such an upheaval. The people, thus, are bound to suffer. Back home, the scenario is also bleak. Global warming is certainly playing havoc with the glaciers: some smaller ones have disappeared while the others are gradually shrinking. This is a development to be worried about as mountain tourism plays a very big role in the economy of the country. If snow continues to melt, the Himalayan peaks will no longer retain the fascination for the people around the world. This was the focus of the Himalaya Tourism Conference. As mountaineering is a major component in raising the living standard of the local people, it cannot be detached from environmental degradation. If environment degradation continues, the livelihood of the people and bio-diversity will suffer in the long run. The conference came up with suggestions for regional as well as international level networking to share information among those interested in mountaineering. With eight of the world's 14 highest peaks located in Nepal, this country is the star attraction for both mountaineers and mountain lovers. The most important thing is that Everest, the highest peak in the world, lies in Nepal and it is vital in shaping mountain tourism in the country. During the conference it was observed that the mountains are much cleaner now than what it was four or five years back. It is not only the rules and regulations concerning garbage dumping by the expeditions but the realisation that the mountains must be kept clean if the future generation is to keep its passion for mountaineering. It is the close cooperation among the countries in the region like Nepal, India, Pakistan and China that can do a lot for maintaining the Himalayan environment. This focus on regional cooperation is vital if sustainable tourism in the region is to prosper but without harming the environment. The damage being done to the environmental seen in recent times is not only due to greater flow of mountaineers on the Himalaya but global warming, which threatens the environment and makes a dent in the livelihood of the mountain people. The bio-diversity too is under stress because of the negative changes taking place in the environment status. Alliance That the Himalaya Tourism Conference 2006 was a success can be understood from the common voice of the participants in forging an alliance to combat the problems facing the environment. It must be remembered that toeing a defensive stance against environmental problems has become a necessity if sustainable economy is to be envisaged. Nature conservation is needed, and one of the methods would be community- based tourism in the coming years. The involvement of the community in tourism- related activities is necessary if sustainability is the objective. |
|