It is worth remembering that trekking is in transition from a small elite led by professional westerners to a huge and cutthroat industry. There are three links that can break down in the chain of good intentions to do the right thing by the trekking porter. First the good intentions on the part of an overseas trekking agency may not always translate into action by the Nepalese trekking agent. Next the trekking agents' good intentions may not be put into practice by the trek leader. Finally the Sirdar may not inform the trek leader about illness in the porters. Obviously the situation is different for the teashop trekker who employs a porter or two. In this case the trekker needs to be aware of his responsibilities and act accordingly. For a big company with a large number of treks and a huge number of porters coming and going, supplying the equipment required is quite a logistical exercise. At lower altitudes or on shorter treks there is not the need for the full protective gear that is needed higher up and in more remote areas. However there is no reason for inadequate food, shelter or medical care.
Bearing the above in mind there is plenty of opportunity for mistreatment of porters to happen. IPPG is determined to promote health and safety in the work place for the porter and reduce the incidence of avoidable illness injury and death.
IPPG believes in a sustainable and ethical trekking industry. The collapse of the industry due to charges of exploitation is to be avoided at all costs and IPPG urges all concerned to work toward this end.

Notes

• IPPG has received letters of support from the Nepal Tourism Board, and from Green Globe (UK).
• IPPGs porter health and safety guidelines are to be mentioned in a new guidebook that will be published in January in UK by Earthscan (UK) and is titled: The Community Tourism Guide.
• There was a small write up about IPPG in World Expeditions (Australia) Footsteps which is mailed to all their clients. They have also introduced a waterproof sock for their porters. Mountain Travel Nepal (Tiger Mountain) had a write up in their magazine and included the IPPG leaflet in their mail-out which is sent to approximately 200 agents worldwide.
• Kit Spencer from Summit Trekking translated the five IPPG guidelines on care of porters into Nepali. He points out that he has five different categories of equipment for his porters depending on the trek's altitude and severity.
• More porter incidents: Dr Jim Litch of Khunde hospital (Khumbu area) and Dr Charlie Clarke of HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) in Manang (Annapurna area) reported separate incidents where a porter suffering from altitude illness was paid off and sent down with little or no support. Fortunately both of them survived but only after heroic resuscitation efforts.
• An interesting development has been the construction of porters' shelters. Two in the Makalu-Barun National Park by the local porters' association, and one at Mira Peak base camp by the Nepal Himalayan Guide Association. This group is intending to build more shelters and is looking for sponsors. For more info, contact Mr Lhakpa Dorje Sherpa, Nepal Himalayan Guide Association, PO Box 6550, Kathmandu, Nepal. Ph. 495243, fax 977-1-472529.

Editorial

Kathmandu Porter Conference Report

Endorsement of trekking companies by IPPG

Report from Everest

How Trekkers can help

Reports from the IPPG representatives

Accounts 1999