UNESCO's statement that efforts are being made to list Nepal as the first World Biodiversity Protected Area
The world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, has not yet been promoted as expected. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Kanchenjunga climb, a voice was raised that Kanchenjunga should be promoted in the model of local participation and sustainable development.
In the program organized by the British Embassy in Kathmandu in collaboration with Samrudh Pahad, information was also given about the initiative to highlight Kanchenjunga region's conservation, tourism promotion and historical importance on the world stage. Pointing out the need to develop Kanchenjunga as a new tourist destination, British Ambassador Rob Fenn said that it is imperative to protect the originality, biological diversity and cultural heritage of this area. Stating that the number of tourists in the Kanchenjunga area has gone from 600 to 800 in the last year, he pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done to develop it as a tourist destination.
Remembering the historical background of Kanchenjunga, he recalled that until 1952 it was considered the highest mountain in the world. He also informed that efforts are being made to get British and Nepali youth to participate in an adventure tourist trip to the Kanchenjunga region under the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. According to Ambassador Fain, Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who recently returned from a visit to Nepal, are also involved in the Kanchenjunga promotion campaign.
To highlight the historical importance of Kanchenjunga, Nimadorje Sherpa of Nepal Mountaineering Association proposed to put photos and videos of the first ascent in the International Mountain Museum of Pokhara. He recalled that on May 25, 1955, British climbers Joe Brown and George Band first successfully climbed Kanchenjunga. The event where they stopped 10 meters below the peak and showed their respect for the mountain was also presented in the program.
Khagendra Femu Limbu of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Committee says that there is a need to go hand in hand with conservation and tourism development. Mountaineer Mingma David Sherpa, recounting his experience of growing up in Taplejung, expressed his belief that tourism development based on local capacity will bring prosperity. In the event, the representative of UNESCO said that efforts are being made to list Kanchenjunga as Nepal's first World Biodiversity Protected Area.
Ambassador Fen said that initiatives like the upcoming Everest Dialogue are creating an opportunity to bring Nepal's Himalayan issue to the world level. "Just like Everest is a symbol of the world, Kanchenjunga also needs to be developed in a proper way and in the interest of the local people," he said. He also said that preparations are being made to ensure the active participation of Britain in the Everest dialogue. He said that efforts are being made to get the Minister of the Environment Ministry from the UK to participate.
