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IPPG Newsletters: July 2000
How Trekkers can Help |
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Many companies already equip their porters well, and others are in the process of doing so. They also undertake to train their staff in high altitude and porter issues. However there are companies which do not. In the unethical and lower end of the market, where cut-price trekking for 20 US$ a day reigns, there is little hope of change without pressure. Where is that pressure going to come from? It can come from the Nepal Department of Tourism, from the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), from tourism watchdogs such as Tourism Concern, INGO's, media and, of course, from the porters themselves.
However the best influence is the individual trekker.
A simple way to make a difference is to ask your travel agent and trekking agency what is their policy on porter safety before you sign up for a trek. Look for companies who use the IPPG logo, which means they are recommended by IPPG for their ethical treatment of their porters. Also report any neglect that you witness to IPPG, the trekking company and travel agent. There are now Porter Logbooks for comments, complaints or praise kept at KEEP, HRA, CIWEC clinic, NIC clinic and UNITRAV in Kathmandu. If you see neglect on the trail, complain to the trekkers or leader concerned. Finally, if you go trekking, take care of your porters.
You can make a difference!
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