| Dr Jim Duff, international coordinator |
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The theme of this year's conference was Porter Safety for the Sustainable Development
of Tourism in the New Millennium. It was held at the hotel Vaishali. About 50 people took
part in the conference, which was only advertised to the media, Government bodies, NGOs,
INGOs, trekking industry and embassies.
First Prakash Adhikari (IPPG-Nepal) welcomed the participants and introduced the speakers.
Dr Jim Duff (IPPG-Australia and International Coordinator) gave an overview of IPPG, how
it came into being, its aims and activities so far. He than showed slides of porters,
showing the dangers they have to cope with, the conditions they work in, and how some
companies work to improve those conditions. He also noted that several companies have
adopted, or are adopting, the IPPG guidelines and logo.
Dr Urs Hefti (IPPG-Switzerland) then gave a talk with slides about his experience with
sick porters while he was working at the Pheriche HRA aid post, near Everest. This was
followed by questions and statements from the audience.
After tea break, interested participants continued with a discussion. What follows is a
synopsis of this discussion:
- Educating the trekkers: it was suggested that a
pamphlet on porter safety be produced for distribution to trekkers.
Update: This has now been produced in English
and 25,000 copies have been printed in Kathmandu aided by a donation from the Swiss
Society of Mountain Medicine. Distribution started in Nepal in November. The pamphlet
includes a praise to the porters, the five guidelines recommended by IPPG, phone numbers,
where to give a donation, and where to find a "porter logbook" to record
complaints or comments on porter treatment. These logbooks are kept in several locations
in Kathmandu such as KEEP, HRA, CIWEC and NIC clinics, and UNITRAV. (Copies of Sharing the
Load are available on request, contact your representative).
- Translation of the above pamphlet in several languages.
Prakash Adhikari and Dr Urs Hefti in charge.
- Research:
it was felt that there was a need for
research on death and injuries in porters, and life conditions for them and dependents. Dr
Urs Hefti will cooperate with Susan VanKlaveren (Holland) and Ben Ayers (IPPG-USA).
- Production of a calendar/coffee table book to raise awareness
and funds.> Mac Odell /Ben Ayers will look into this.
- IPPG logo for trekking agencies.
Update: This has been implemented and several companies are in the
process of receiving IPPG endorsement or already have it.
- Registration of IPPG in Nepal (a necessity).
Update:
This has been done via the Himalayan Foundation, which is a registered charity. IPPG
retains independence within this arrangement as Dr Jim is now on the board of HF with
responsibility for IPPG. Following the conference, there were several articles in the
Nepali press and radio raising the profile of the issue just before the trekking season.
All in all, a successful conference. However it was suggested that a third conference
would be too much and a press release with a photographic exhibition celebrating the
porter was suggested instead. Comments or ideas welcome.
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