A two-day capacity enhancement workshop on tourism management and environmental conservation was successfully conducted at the Ilaka Conservation Office, Lwang, under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The event, held on 2081/10/18 and 19, focused on business owners operating along the Mardi Himal Trek, including Low Camp and Forest Camp.
The workshop was organized by the ACAP headquarters in Pokhara and was attended by key stakeholders, including Dr. Rabin Kadel, Head of ACAP, and local government representatives such as Ram Bahadur Gurung, Ward Chair of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-8, and Hari Bahadur Kshetri, Ward Chair of Ward No. 9. The event also saw the participation of the President and Secretary of the Mardi Himal Tourism Management and Business Committee.
The workshop covered various topics related to sustainable tourism practices. Bimal Bastola, Director of Green Road Waste Management, provided insights on waste management, while Sameer Baral led a session on community-based sustainable tourism. Dipendra Pahari offered training on tourism and hospitality management, and Dr. Rabin Kadel discussed the relationship between nature and tourism.
During the inaugural session, Chief Guest Ram Bahadur Gurung emphasized the importance of responsible tourism development in the region. The closing ceremony was graced by Dr. Rabin Kadel, Ward Chair Hari Bahadur Kshetri, and Committee President Rajkumar Tamang, who collectively highlighted the workshop’s role in improving tourism management, hospitality, environmental protection, and waste management.
The discussions also addressed concerns such as unauthorized hotel construction, illegal poaching, and unregulated waste disposal. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the workshop would lead to better tourism practices and improved conservation efforts in the Mardi Himal trekking route.
