Nepal Himalayas: NMA commemorates 50th anniversary
Travel Biz News —
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the country’s main organization dedicated to mountain tourism and environmental preservation, marked its 50th anniversary today amidst a ceremony attended by national and international dignitaries.
The Golden Jubilee ceremony was inaugurated by President of Nepal, Ramchandra Poudel. Notable figures including the First Lady, Ms. Savita Poudel, Minister for Culture,Tourism, and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati, President of International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), Peter Muir, and President of the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA) In-Jeong Lee, and delegates of the UAAA General Assembly 2023 graced the occasion.
President Poudel applauded NMA’s efforts in advancing Nepal’s mountain tourism, despite financial constraints, and urged the government to assign the NMA with more responsibilities.
“The Nepal Mountaineering Association’s role in the realm of mountain tourism remains commendable, and I strongly recommend that the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation intensify their support for the development and promotion of our mountain tourism,” he added.
On the occasion, President Poudel honored several individuals with awards and presented letters of appreciation to various tourism-related organizations, national and international personalities, government service agencies, and security organizations that have supported the NMA over its 50-year journey of promoting and safeguarding the mountains.
NMA posthumously recognized the late Tenjen Sherpa, a Guinness World record holder climber who tragically lost his life in an avalanche accident on Shishapangma. Tenjen, along with Kristina Harila of Norway, had achieved the Guinness World record for conquering all 14 of the world’s 8000ers in just 92 days.
President Poudel handed over a dummy cheque of 5 lakhs to Tenjen’s family members in honor of his remarkable achievement.
Minister Kirati emphasized on collective efforts in combating global warming, given the impact of climate change on Nepal’s mountains and the natural disasters it triggers.
NMA President Nima Nuru Sherpa pledged to continue the association’s work in promoting mountain tourism in Nepal.
Earlier, General Assembly of the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA) committed to work together for development of mountain tourism and conservation.
A total of 25 delegates from 11 member federations representing nine different countries and regions including China, India, South Korea, Iran, Hongkong, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Mongolia, and Nepal attended the assembly held in Kathmandu.( Inputs from NMA statement)
1 Nov. 2023
