In a significant step towards promoting eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation, two one-day training events on “Environmentally Sustainable Tourism Practices” and “Tourism-related Environmental Crime Prevention and Control” were successfully conducted in Pokhara on September 18 and 19, 2024. Organized by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and coordinated by TAAN Gandaki with the support of USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal), the training aimed to enhance sustainable tourism practices in Gandaki Province.
A total of 107 participants, including a strong representation from women, Dalit, Janajati, and the LGBTIQ community, actively took part in the training. The initiative aimed to make tourism more inclusive and sustainable by involving diverse communities.
The closing ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Mitra Lal Basyal, Minister for Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, General Secretary of TAAN; representatives of major tourism associations in Gandaki, including Pokhara Tourism Council; President of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Man Bahadur BK, Landscape Team Leader of USAID Biodiversity Pokhara; and CEO of TAAN, Mr. Ram Chandra Sedai.
During the closing ceremony at Bar Pipal Resort, all successful participants received Training Completion Certificates from the Chief Guest Hon’ble Basyal, Special Guest Mr. Sherpa, and chair of the ceremony, Mr. Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of TAAN Gandaki.
In their remarks, Hon’ble Basyal, Mr. Sherpa, and other tourism leaders congratulated the participants and emphasized the importance of such training in making Gandaki Province’s tourism sector more sustainable and competitive. They highlighted the need to adopt eco-friendly practices to conserve the region’s biodiversity while promoting responsible tourism.
CEO of TAAN, Mr. Sedai, extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved, including USAID Biodiversity, TAAN Gandaki, tourism associations, and resource persons. He stressed the critical role of collaboration in achieving the shared goals of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
To conclude the ceremony, President Acharya presented tokens of appreciation to the Chief Guest and Special Guest, underscoring the success and significance of the event in strengthening eco-tourism practices in the region.
