“Participatory Workshop on Responsibility and Rights of Mountaineering Workers” was successfully concluded in Kathmandu on 29-30 August 2014.
Mountain Spirit organized and facilitated the workshop in collaboration with Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), Nepal Mountaineering Instructor Association (NMIA), Sherpa Adventure Gear and Khumjung School Alumni Association (KSAA). A workshop organizing committee was formed under the leadership of Dr. Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa, adviser to MS and President of KSAA.
A total of 40 mountaineering workers gathered for the workshop with the goal of identifying and articulating the current issues they face within the industry. Participants came from a range of mountain communities, including eight mountain districts and represented a range of experience, from 14 time Everest submitters to those newly entering the profession to others whose mountaineering careers began in the 1970s. Using a range of participatory methodologies, including role-play, SWOT analysis, and appreciative inquiry, the participants came up with the major issues related to training and professionalism, over competitive business environment, rules and regulation, search and rescue, benefit-sharing, fair employment practices, and monitoring during expeditions.
After the one-day workshop, a public forum was held in the presence of the Minister for Tourism of the Government of Nepal. Approximately 100 people were present, including members of the NMA, TAAN, Expedition Organizers, and decision-makers from the government. At this forum, a representative of the mountain guides and workshop participant Mr. Tenzeeng Sherpa shared the workshop conclusions and proposed actions for feedback.
The Honourable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Bhim Prasad Acharya, Constituent Assembly Member Mr. Kripasur Sherpa, Chief of Mountaineering Section of Ministry of Tourism Mr. Ram Prasad Sapkota, President of NMA Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of Expedition Operators Association (EOA) Mr. Dambur Parajuli, president of Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Mr. D.B. Koirala and General Secretary of NNMGA Mr. Pasang Sherpa expressed their views on the workshop outputs n behalf of their organizations.
The program concluded under the chairmanship of Workshop Convener Dr. Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa, MS adviser and President of KSAA and the outgoing President of Mountain Spirit Mr. Nima Lama Hyolmo gave the welcome remarks.
