Photo credit: explorersweb.com
As climbers remain grounded at Base Camp due to recent snowy weather, the Nepal Parliament is deliberating a significant new law aimed at regulating Mount Everest.
The Integrated Tourism Bill made its way to the upper House of Parliament on April 18. This legislation seeks to tackle issues of overcrowding, improve safety for climbers, and address ecological concerns related to Everest, according to an article from The Kathmandu Post.
Historically, similar proposals have emerged periodically, often promising extensive changes to Everest climbing protocols in the interest of safety and environmental protection. However, most of these initiatives fail to gain traction, while minor adjustments that do pass tend to favor local expedition companies.
The current draft of the proposed law outlines several potentially impactful measures. Below, we examine these provisions in detail:
Exploring the Details
1. Previous Climbing Experience Required
The proposal mandates that climbers must have prior experience at altitudes of at least 7,000 meters. However, past incidents suggest that such experience does not necessarily equate to adequate skill or decision-making ability. Instead, it may simply lead climbers to secure spots on expeditions more easily. Notably, the law specifies that the qualifying 7,000-meter peak must be situated in Nepal, effectively excluding renowned mountains like Denali or Aconcagua. Local operators are reportedly in favor of this regulation, as they plan to increase offerings for fully supported climbs on Nepal’s 7,000-meter summits.
With 72 peaks over 7,000 meters available in Nepal, climbers will have options ranging from the highly technical Jannu to the comparatively easier Himlung Himal and Baruntse. The law doesn’t address specifics regarding climbing methods, the use of supplemental oxygen, or levels of support.
2. Requirement for Nepali Guides
The legislation stipulates that all climbers must be accompanied by Nepali citizens as their guides. This provision theoretically excludes foreign mountain guides, though it allows for a foreign guide to join a private client if they are accompanied by Nepali guides. This has become a common arrangement on many expeditions. The challenge lies in defining what constitutes a “guide,” as Nepalese workers possess varying levels of experience at high altitudes.
A Sherpa team on the South side of Everest with Furtenbach Adventures, an international expedition outfitter. Photo: Furtenbach Adventures
3. Health Checks and Record Declarations
Under the new regulations, all Everest climbers will be required to present a medical certificate indicating their good health. While it has been customary for climbers to obtain such documentation, the proposed law specifies that it must come from a “government-approved” medical facility in Nepal. Additionally, climbers must inform authorities if they are pursuing any mountaineering records. If their climb is interrupted due to extenuating circumstances like war or disasters, they may not receive refunds but will be issued permits valid for two years or a reduced fee for an alternative peak.
4. Permission for New Routes
The law notes that climbers aiming to establish new routes on Everest must secure permission from the Department of Tourism beforehand and adhere strictly to their original proposed line once embarked. It allows for emergency rerouting, but only with prior approval from a government liaison officer. This introduces complications, as these liaison officers often have limited presence at Base Camp.
Additional points regarding waste management and the retrieval of deceased climbers also form part of the proposed legislation.
A Balance of Safety, Environment, and Economics
Critically, the proposal does not impose any caps on the number of climbing permits issued or the total climbers allowed on the mountain at any one time. The latest report from Nepal’s Department of Tourism indicated that 374 permits had been issued by April 21, but an unpublished list cited a surge to 402 permits just days later.
Local operators are anticipating a record season, projecting approximately 500 foreign climbers will ascend Everest, complemented by an even greater contingent of support staff.
The ultimate question remains whether these proposed measures are genuinely aimed at enhancing safety and minimizing pollution, or if they primarily serve to further exploit Nepal’s vital tourism revenue.
This draft law is still in its infancy, requiring extensive discussion, potential amendments, and approval from both houses of Parliament. Officials from the Ministry of Tourism have indicated that modifications are likely before any final legislation is enacted. Typically, there is an additional year before such laws come into effect to facilitate industry adjustments.
For those interested, a PDF version of the proposed bill is available in Nepali.
Source
explorersweb.com