Nepal and China have signed a bilateral agreement aimed at promoting mountain tourism. The agreement was formalized between the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Sichuan Autonomous Region Sports Federation, which leads mountaineering activities in China.
The agreement was announced during a press conference by NMA President Nima Nuru Sherpa, who expressed confidence that this collaboration will play a significant role in the promotion and development of Nepal’s mountain tourism. The signing took place from July 3 to 5 during the ‘Trans-Himalayan Forum’ in Nyingchi/Lulang, Sichuan Autonomous Region, China.
Key Aspects of the Agreement:
The four-point agreement, signed in the presence of high-ranking Chinese officials, focuses on the following areas:
- Mountain Rescue Collaboration: Establishing mechanisms for effective rescue operations in high-altitude regions during emergencies.
- Promotion of Mountaineering Culture: Enhancing the mountaineering culture in both countries, with a special emphasis on environmental conservation in the Everest region.
- Environmental Conservation: Prioritizing the protection of the mountain environment, particularly in the Everest area, shared by both countries.
- Training and Skill Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and skills related to high-altitude mountaineering and sending Chinese mountaineers to Nepal for advanced training.
A significant outcome of the agreement is the establishment of a ‘High Altitude Mountain Rescue Mechanism.’ This joint initiative will include representatives from both countries and will aim to make rescue operations quicker, more efficient, and more effective.
The agreement also emphasizes the promotion of mountaineering culture and the conservation of the mountain environment. This includes efforts to protect the Everest region and support climbers who embark on expeditions to Everest and other Himalayan peaks.
Under the agreement, the Sichuan Autonomous Region Sports Federation will send its climbers to Nepal for high-level mountaineering training. This collaboration aims to produce skilled mountaineers equipped to handle the challenges of high-altitude climbing.
To ensure the effective implementation of the agreement, a mechanism comprising representatives from the Sichuan Autonomous Region Sports Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, the Department of Tourism, and the NMA has been proposed.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, a joint expedition has been proposed for next year, receiving positive responses from both sides. In previous years, the two countries have successfully conducted joint climbs, such as the Nepal-China Friendship Peak expedition.
This landmark agreement between Nepal and China marks a significant step towards enhancing mountain tourism, promoting cultural exchange, and ensuring the safety and conservation of the high-altitude regions shared by both nations.
