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IPPG Newsletters: January 2001
Editorial |
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| Dr Jim Duff, international coordinator. |
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Since the BBC documentary Carrying the Burden was shown in the UK, there has been a sea change there in the way the porter issue is perceived. The doco was a clear and hard-hitting exposure of the needs and neglect of the trekking and expedition porter, and the consequences of this neglect. Hopefully, the documentary will be shown in more countries.
Meantime, there is a growing volume of reports and activity as more and more people around the planet wake up to the situation. In particular, trekking companies are asking for endorsement and can appreciate the benefit of direct feedback from their clients concerning the treatment of their porters in the field.
Numerous projects are under way and funds are being sought to finance them. To mention but one, the Porter Clothing Bank in Lukla is maturing and is more than just a clothes depot (see article inside).
The IPPG website is a unifying resource to refer interested people and reporters. Many of the photos from the Kathmandu exhibition Celebrating the Mountain Porter are now on the website.
Interestingly, several people have written about the poor conditions of porters on Kilimanjaro in Africa and the Inca Trail in South America. IPPG is an international concern and looks for ways to exert pressure in those countries. Suggestions are welcome.
A big thank you to all the many people who labour away in the back ground and make these changes possible.
As the director of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) I would urge people to go trekking, as it is a great experience and an excellent form of aid to the world's 7th poorest country. Visit Nepal but please make sure that your porters are treated in a non exploitative way and given adequate clothing, shelter and medical care.
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