Parallel Session 6: Exploring nature, culture and adventure in the mountains

The IPCC AR6 (2023) report clearly states that terrestrial, freshwater, cryospheric, coastal, and open ocean ecosystems have faced significant and, in some cases, irreversible harm due to climate change. At the same time, these regions serve as hubs for nature-based tourism across the globe.

Mountain regions cover approximately 22% of the planet’s land area and are home to 50% of the world’s plants and animals. Their ecosystem services support the livelihoods of nearly half of the global population. For example, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, with its unique and diverse cultures, languages, religions, beliefs, more than 1,000 languages, and traditional knowledge systems attracts more than 70 million tourists annually.

The HKH region harbors four of 36 global biodiversity hotspots, two of 200 global ecoregions, 575 Protected Areas, and 335 significant bird areas. It is also home to a total of 300 critically endangered species (ICIMOD, 2017).

In Nepal, nature, culture, and adventure tourism are viewed as natural capital. However, business-as-usual methods are no longer viable.  Innovative and resilient approaches are required to sustain the value of mountains. Nature-based tourism exemplifies this and can unlock further ideas and opportunities.

Objectives:

  1. Identify innovative solutions that will strengthen the functional integrity of mountain ecosystems.
  2. Explore ways to increase investment in natural capital to yield more benefits to more populations.
  3. Reverse the business-as-usual approach by identifying innovative approaches to harness the full value and benefits of common natural capital.

Moderator

MR ANIL CHITRAKAR

Conservationist, Environmental Leader and Social Entrepreneur

Anil Chitrakar is an engineer and energy planner trained at the University of Rajasthan and the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career at the Academy of Science and Technology, promoting renewable energy in remote areas. He launched conservation education campaigns to mobilize the youth and school children to link technical solutions’ supply and demand sides and enable learning outside the classroom. An Ashoka Fellow, he led conservation education campaigns and headed IUCN Nepal. Recognized as a “Global Leader for Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum in 1993, he has received the Tech Award for renewable energy work. Anil is the President of Siddharthinc, a private initiative dedicated to unlocking markets.

Keynote Speaker

DR. GHANA SHYAM GURUNG

Country Representative, WWF Nepal

Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, a Snow Leopard Champion of the WWF network, is nationally renowned as Shepherd of the Snow Leopard – “Hiun Chituwa ko Gothalo”. He has been listed among World Atlas “12 Most Incredible Conservation Heroes Saving Our Wildlife from Extinction” and honored with “Prabal Jana Sewa Shree” from the President of Nepal, as well as the Alumni International Medal, Lincoln University. He holds a doctorate in Natural Science from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and has over 30 years of experience in participatory biodiversity conservation. His multifaceted conservation journey, from humble beginnings as a herder to setting up protected areas, managing multi- disciplinary projects in Conservation Areas, and supporting the establishment of trans-boundary conservation landscapes, has established him as a respected figure in both the local and international conservation fraternity.

As the Country Representative of, he has led WWF Nepal’s conservation programs towards significant contributions, such as 365 days of zero poaching of the rhino on six occasions, understanding of snow leopards and the Tx2 – almost tripling of wild tigers, while also instigating community-based institutions as local stewards of nature.

During his leadership, the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) was recognized as one of the seven UN World Restoration Flagships as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a testament to his impactful contributions to nature conservation.
Dr. Gurung strongly believes in the role of the next generation and local communities in carrying forward Nepal’s conservation legacy and takes immense pride in WWF Nepal’s scholarship programs and community stewardship approach.

Panelists

Mr. Rajan Subedi

River Basin Manager, OXFAM

Rajan Subedi is a development professional currently serving as the Program Manager – River Basins at Oxfam in Nepal. He holds a master’s in environmental science and brings over 15 years of experience in climate change, transboundary water governance, and disaster risk reduction. Rajan has led multi-country programs, facilitated stakeholder dialogues, and represented Oxfam at regional and global platforms. He has pioneered the use of rafting and citizen science as innovative tools for the sustainable and climate-resilient management of rivers. He is passionate about ecological justice and continuous learning in the development sector.

Ms. Nadhira Al-Harthy

Ministry of Education, Everest Summiteer, Sultanate of Oman

Nadhira al Harthy, an ambitious youth with an overwhelming adventurous spirit, is the first Omani woman to scale Mt Everest, the tallest peak in the world in the Himalayas, on May 23, 2019. She worked as a geography teacher, a curriculum developer, and holding managerial positions in the field of education. Currently, she serves as the General Director Deputy at Oman Scouts and Guides Organization, a full-time role that allows her to contribute to the growth and development of young minds. She is also the country coordinator of the GLOBE Program in Oman. She has a master’s degree in Geographic Studies from Sultan Qaboos University and a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from the College of Education in Rustaq. Beyond mountaineering, her true passion lies in making a positive impact on youth and our precious planet.

Ms. Maureen Anino

Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda

Mr. Chhiring Sherpa

Chief Executive Officer, Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee

Chhiring Sherpa is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a non-governmental organization dedicated to managing pollution in the Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) region. He has also been involved in preparations for the climbing season, including route construction through the Khumbu Icefall.