It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the series of e-consultations on 'People, Park and Mountain Tourism', April 2-21, to mark the 50^th Anniversary (‘Golden Jubilee’) of the first ascent of Mount Everest.

I want to make three small points here.

Firstly, Mount Everest, by just being the highest mountain in the world, receives a disproportionate share of attention. Its rich history is in many ways a direct function of its altitude - which for long served as a benchmark of human feat. It still does. Whether we like it or not, Everest draws attention away from other ‘lesser’ peaks in the world, most of which predate the former. The areas around the  lesser peaks may, in fact, be in  more dire need of protection, donor funding and  tourism. Let us, therefore, not forget all other mountains in the world, in our rush to celebrate Everest and the 50^th anniversary of its first ascent this year.

Secondly, mountain tourism allows the host community to diversify their livelihood options. It benefits them in many ways. For trekkers, climbers, pilgrims, and research and development workers, mountains provide inspiration, meaning and joy. When the host community and the visitors  interact, both are transformed to some degree through the creation of largely a symbiotic relationship. We need to treasure and nurture this relationship, this bond. The health of this bond is dependent not only on the quality of interactions between the host community and the visitors but also on the health of the totality of the space (with fluid boundaries) in which  these interactions take place. This necessitates that we manage the health of the mountain ecosystem, with its biodiversity, watersheds, glacial lakes, pastures and forests. How to manage this fragile space (teeming will all kinds of possibilities and threats) sustainably is a major challenge and will continue to be so.

Thirdly, the ‘Golden Jubilee’ is an occasion for celebration. What Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa accomplished together some 50 years ago, and thereafter, continues to inspire us. Their philanthropic work in the Khumbu region in particular will be long remembered.

They have taught us to give back to the mountain community what we take from them many times over.

Last but not least, I want to thank the Asia Pacific Mountain Network along with the Bridges-PRTD and Namche Conference for organising the e-consultations on the following themes related to ‘People, Park and Mountain Tourism’:

• Cultural and ecological impact of tourism in remote mountainous destinations
• Security issues related to tourism in remote mountainous destinations
• Management systems: parks, protected areas, community-based development
• Shaping the future: achieving optimal results in the global market

I am sure you will have a fruitful discussion.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Binayak Bhadra
Acting Director General, ICIMOD