Namaste The Trust News Working with Health, Community development and Hope in the “Hidden ” Winter 2010 Issue No.11

Jeroen crossing Nyu La Pass, 5000m

Humli girl in thought Gothi kids watch from roof Murals on Limi path Weaving in Dolpa

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome letters 2 Till Solar Inspection 6 Health & Education Field Trip 3 Gothi MHP - Project Update 7 Rajesh Gurung - 5 year anniversary! 4 A Growing Tourism Perspective... 8 Fundraise or Die 4 Treks to Build 9 Great Himalaya Trail – Project Update 5 Donor Acknowledgement 11 Thank you Rotary Clubs – Trek-to-Electrify 6 Photo Album 12 Page 2 Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Chairman’s Welcome by Dr Mike Love Dear Friends and Supporters of the Nepal Trust, In my Chairman’s welcome in and Jigme Lama, with the UK operating on a volunteer basis. This the last edition of Namaste ,I means that nearly every penny raised is now spent in Nepal, where of observed that with the elections course each pound spent goes a lot further. over we hoped and prayed for the The Kathmandu team is now responsible for administration, local stability that would allow the book keeping, communications, website, proposal writing, project Trust to progress with its projects control and the delivery of the health programme. and programmes. Chris, ably supported by his Mum, is running the UK office on a When writing I had little idea of voluntary basis. The office has moved to Edinburgh, you can find the the substantial change that was to address and contact details at the foot of this issue. shortly follow within the Nepal Tony Robinson continues as finance director; Tony Sharpe has Trust itself. Sadly our founder taken charge of fund raising and David Hurman is in charge of the Alan Jacobsen passed away health programme. We also now have three new directors: Rodger towards the end of 2008; a great loss to those who knew him well Thom, Donald Brown and Gary Williams. The next issue of Namaste and had worked with him. will contain more detail on each and on their roles. All including Subsequently Jim and Liz, who had been our inspiration and power myself are working as unpaid volunteers on a part time basis. house for so long, finally concluded that it was time to pass the baton Structurally we have reorganised and registered the Nepal Trust as on. They handed the reins over to Chris Rae in April and have an INGO: this has considerably simplified matters and allows us to subsequently been taking a long and much deserved break in Greece operate our own bank account, run our own payroll and enter into lease to be followed by time cycling in France. agreements, etc in Nepal. Key to this change is that the Board can now It goes without saying that their departure has left a huge hole, exercise direct control and authority over its affairs. Previously it had which will take time to fill. I and other members of the Board never to work through a local NGO with its own Board of Directors. tired of telling people how much the Trust had achieved and of how The changes all need time to settle down, but as you will read it punched well beyond its weight: if we were more accurate, we below have already led to a new sense of purpose and energy within would have said how much Jim and Liz had achieved and how they the team. We have exciting plans for developing the health programme punched on our behalf way beyond our weight. and working with the community of the Hidden Himalayas for many We wish them well and very much hope that they will stay in touch years to come. and find time to join in our activities in some way in the future. For the future we have taken the decision to base all full time As always though we depend totally on your continued support, salaried activity in Nepal under the control of Jeroen van den Bergh Mike

Letter from Nugal Vaidya, Chairman of the Nepal Trust’s NGO partner in Nepal

This is the first time I am writing my message to you and the readers of this new edition of Nepal Trust Bulletin ‘NAMASTE’. I come from the Rotary Club of Mount Everest, Lalitpur, Nepal (Rotary International Distrct-3292). I am a past President there and am assigned as Assistant Governor in the district level for the Rotary year 2009-10. Through Rotary, I have known the Nepal Trust and a few of the office bearers for many years. I was personally involved with the Nepal Trust during the planning and implementation of the Til Solar Project in 2007, through my club and International Partner Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale, England (Rotary International District – 1040). My relationship then grew deeper and as a result I have now joined the Nepal Trust as it’s Chairman in Nepal from 2009. In Rotary, Rotarians act as community volunteers with our motto “Service Above Self”. I think this spirit has spurred me to lead the Nepal Trust in Nepal. Philanthropy is sometimes like a mirage when it comes to be the most remote underprivileged and wild areas like Humla and the Karnali zone of Nepal and yet nothing is impossible. Due to the tireless efforts starting from our founder Alan Jacobsen back in 1994 to date, many of the office bearers, supporters, donors, volunteers, staff and friends the Nepal Trust has contributed to so much for the humanity in need in Humla. That is why the Nepal Trust and the Rotary names are so well respected in Nepal. I now have the responsibility of keeping the wheel rolling and reaching our targets successfully as planned, drawing on the synergy the Nepal Trust possesses with its history and networks. The readers will benefit reading about the various new projects, programmes and other developments for this year through the different news sharing in this bulletin. I take this opportunity to request you all continue to contribute and participate in this noble cause to magnify our DEED for the Humanity in NEED. Thank you. Nugal Vaidya

Keeping in touch

Namaste is just one way to learn about our work. Our website www.nepaltrust.org had a major facelift last year. On there you’ll find the latest news, info on all our projects and an online donation facility. Content is updated regularly, so add it to your bookmarks and check back regularly. Additionally we launched the popular e-News, a short email newsletter bringing all the latest info right to your inbox. Free to subscribe, and easy to unsubscribe, contact [email protected] if you’d like to receive it.

Many thanks to all contributors. Photos reproduced courtesy of staff, trekkers and supporters of the Nepal Trust. Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Page 3 Health and Education Field Trip

Last year Nepal Trust conducted a major Health and Education field trip proven successful, may be taken into the government curriculum by with a team consisting of both Western as well Nepali medical - and Nepal Medical Council. educational experts, including a dentist, doctor (GP), nurses, CMAs, In addition, medical assessments of patients was done in Simikot hospital public health worker, consultants, social mobilizers and NT staff. by Dr. Robin Ramsay and Sr. Nurse Janet Griffin, who together with support staff also gave in-field training to local health workers in Kermi, In terms of Health: Yalbang - and Sarkegad. Other activities conducted include health Dental work was carried out in Simikot hospital by Rotarian Dr. assessments, site surveys, interviews and the establishment of a new Richard Vaughn, who currently is involved in the development of a Health Committee in Yalbang. long-distance education programme (CD ROMs) in coordination with Kings College London University and Nepal Trust, that aims to teach In terms of Education: local health workers the basic elements of dentistry including e.g. Participatory community trainings oral hygiene & tooth brushing, caries prevention, disinfection, dental were carried out by Roy Cameron anatomy, 1 to 1 tuition, etc. and runs on solar laptops – especially and Raju Aryal (CEEN), along developed for remote mountain regions where there is no electricity. with education assessments, site The project is to be spread over 3 years and we encourage other surveys, interviews and community dentists to contact us and participate in this special project, which if gatherings.

Renewable Energy Service Centre

Clean , renewable energy has always been an important part TRAID is a UK based organisation that recycles old clothes and of our integrated development solutions. Due to the fact that textile into high quality clothes that are sold to the public in order to maintenance of renewable energy resources is a costly and generate funds for development projects in both the UK and abroad. time-consuming problem, Nepal Trust had the intention to Currently, TRAID has ten shops located in London and Brighton and establish a renewable energy service centre in Simikot, that would serve you may like to check them out: www.traid.org.uk . as a workshop and training centre where local people can be trained in As Madeleine Bates , International Development Manager from keeping power plants and other technology maintained and operating TRAID, mentioned : “ We are so excited about this; it is a real departure throughout the year, but also assist local off grid communities in basic for us in terms of funding clean renewables, and it is such an sanitation , metal and other construction works . innovative project”. We are delighted to announce that this idea will soon become reality, Massive thanks to TRAID for their efforts and support, and as Nepal Trust has entered an exclusive partnership with TRAID (Textile we look forward working with them. In case you have ideas, Recycling for Aid and International Development), who has decided to suggestions, skills, or would like to volunteer for this project, please act as our main supporter for this project, which kicks-off fully in 2010 . contact us for more information .

Request for Medics Following Janet and David’s recommendations, The Nepal Trust intend to formally develop the medical volunteer programme. It is envisaged that extended placements at a health post would allow for staff training and enable support to be given in implementing systems and protocols of best practice. If you are a medical professional and would be interested in participating, please contact us. LEFT: Pema Dolma Lama, Senior Health Worker. Page 4 Namaste - The Nepal Trust News

Five year anniversary

My name is Rajesh Gurung. I started my works and management . In that year I helped to set up the ambulance work with Nepal Trust in January 2003 project, Til solar project and helped organising the ‘Treks-to-Build’. as a Driver, Office Assistant and Runner In 2008 I was involved with the repair of Lali MHP, the preparation and I am now exactly working 5 years for works for Gothi MHP, the set up of our ‘Little Doctor ’ Programme Nepal Trust . I did my best during that and the various field trips we had . time to assist the Managers in setting I also visited Humla during these times and I really felt part of up the office and other project related the organisation by doing so . All these obtained skills helped me activities. During this period, the when in 2008 , I was provided the opportunity to take on more organisation went through various responsibilities and a bigger role as a Finance/Admin - and Project changes and constraints , but I continued Assistant. my support to Nepal Trust and tried my My job now includes maintaining finances, administration works Rajesh Gurung very best to make all things favourable as well as supporting the overall project implementation alongside for the organisation as such . Jeroen and Jigme . I have also received trainings regarding this all In 2006 I facilitated in the logistical arrangements of our Health recently in 2009 and I am very much enjoying my work . I hope to Camp in Humla. From 2007 onwards I was given more duties and learn and develop myself more over time, so that I can make a from that moment I also started to learn about the development greater contribution to the organisation and its projects . projects and their implementation, the necessary administration Thank you. Rajesh

Fundraise or Die by Tony Sharpe

Hopefully, the title doesn’t refer to me! Fundraising is the lifeblood of difficult period. The exercise has been illuminating and allowed us to charities and without it they will surely die. But funds are not god given see more clearly where we need to tighten up and what we need to put and have to be earned usually by a great deal of effort and hard work. in place to promote regular cash flows. A new fundraising strategy plan Last year the total income for all charities in the UK (171,000 is being formulated. believe it or not) was £50bn. Of this large figure more than half was Muhammad Yunus the inspirational founder of the Grameen Bank absorbed by 0.5% of charities – the big ones that we have all heard is convinced that social business, rather than charity, is the way to tackle about. About 40% of the money these big charities earn comes from social problems. This approach has always been at the centre of the statutory and government sources and is at risk, and causing great Nepal Trust’s objectives by working in an integrated way combining concern, during these recessionary times. Small charities like the Nepal health care with renewable energy projects and income generation Trust do not rely on such sources of funding but, nevertheless, are not through, for example, sustainable tourism. immune to the difficult financial times we are in. When the going gets A little money can go a long way under the new slimmed down and tough many organisations are not equipped to deal with the problems efficient Trust management. Our core projects, particularly primary and hit a brick wall or fold. That has been the destiny of many charities health care, will need to be nurtured and improved for some time yet in recent times. to be sustainable in a part of the world so remote and devoid of any At the beginning of this year the Nepal Trust went through a sticky facilities we take for granted. Stand-alone projects can be funded in a patch when cash was short and we were not sure how we would variety of ways but we need regular funds for the core work if it is to survive. We had to look long and hard at our resources and make tough reach fruition. decisions on best where to make cuts in order to continue without Compared with the sums mentioned earlier our needs are affecting our core project delivery. The result has been invigorating but miniscule! £50,000 a year will keep all core projects going and retain how successful only time will tell – we still need cash to ensure our our expert Nepali team of locally trained and dedicated people who are future. Overhead costs have been reduced to near zero in the UK by putting their skills back in to their own communities. Just imagine, 400 our team of dedicated volunteers pulling together to make sure it will of our supporters become full members of the Trust or 100 supporters happen. Our team in Nepal (also beneficiaries by definition) have dedicate themselves to raising £500 a year and our problems are solved. realised the seriousness of the situation and have taken pay cuts and Anyone can get involved. accepted stringent budgetary procedures to get the Trust through this Now that doesn’t sound too difficult does it?

T2B Competition!

To follow up on our ‘Treks-to-Build’ initiatives, we recently we have registered the domain names www.trekstobuild.org and www.trekstobuild.com . Both websites are still under construction and will hopefully be operational in the course of this year. It is in our intention to create these separate websites for our tourism initiatives and develop ‘Treks-to-Build’ as a brand for responsible travel worldwide. This means that we are in need of a new house-style and logo, which will be integrated in our branding strategy to be used to develop promotional materials, brochures, CD Roms, etc. If you have any ideas or designs you think are suitable, please send them to Nepal Trust and who knows; perhaps in future your design will be used as our brand! Also if you know any people with relevant technical designing/web skills that like to contribute freely for our social cause, please let them contact our office. The winner will be mentioned in our fundraising efforts/donor list and will receive, next to all credit, a small Nepali gift. Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Page 5 Great Himalaya Trail - Project Update

The Great Himalaya Trail - Development Programme (GHT - DP) aims to attract tourists to unexplored and more economically backward destinations and regions in order to spread income generation throughout the Himalayas (for this project Humla and Dolpa district were chosen as pilot areas). Project activities aim to build the capacity of local entrepreneurs and institutions in order to develop the required skills needed to manage tourism in a sustainable way. In addition, the project tries to increase local economies by fair distribution of economic, social and cultural benefits obtained from tourism. To attract tourists to the more unconventional areas, marketing and promotion of these areas is needed. In addition, they need to be developed as an integral component of the main product ‘Great Himalaya Trail and effectively branded and marketed to give Humla and Dolpa their own tourism identity. As part of the overall promotion of GHT (including Humla), Nepal Trust ran a promotion trek to Limi Valley last year with National Geographic Adventure Magazine (with contributing editor James Vlahos), which has been published in the November 2009 issue.

James Vlahos - National Geographic Adventure Magazine at Halji HP

staff, which provided our staff a great opportunity to step up and to be trained in project management. In Dolpa we work through our new partner NGO DESERT (Dolpa Educational, Social, Environmental and Reservation Team). Other activities included the formation of a Tourism Development Committee (TDC) in Dolpa and Humla, the formation of national – and district level reference groups in order to advocate for sustainable tourism development (incl. NT partners such as NIDS and HDI - through Norway Development Fund), tourism development activities with local governments (DDC/ VDC), and the development of an extensive GHT team in Limi Valley for tourism promotion marketing and branding strategy, which resulted in the establishment of a separate GHT website that provides information about GHT project, One of the main activities of 2009 has been the development of a with all the tourism destinations as such. For more information see Value Chain Analysis (VCA) by Action for Enterprise – the world’s http://www.thegreathimalayatrail.org leading VCA consultancy firm from USA - along the GHT, to identify Spin-offs of this project are amongst others books and articles that have areas for support and create local employment providing more and better been published (see http://www.greathimalayatrail.com/links.html ). quality & demanded tourism products, supported by a B2B (Business- While implementing, we have received immense support from the to-Business) culture. Next to this, focus lay on the capacity strengthening private sector, as well as local governments and communities. Although of local (non-) governmental organisations to enable them for the this project entails new approaches which will provide NT with new development of overall tourism environment along the GHT. challenges, we are confident that some significant changes will be made For the Humla-based activities NT was able to appointed 3 of its own in tourism development in West Nepal.

Mt. Saipal Exploration Trek

In November 2008 the Nepal Trust trekked with mountaineer Jamie McGuinness to Mt. Saipal to explore the region for potential new trekking routes and tourism attractions. The team started their journey after their Limi Valley/GHT trek with SNV and NGA from Simikot via Kermi to Yalbang, and down to Challa; a medieval village isolated in steep mountains and located on a slope that runs almost straight down - a unique village as never to be seen in Humla District. We were the second group to reach Challa in 2008 and the only ones in the entire year that took the challenge to trek even further down, all the way to Mt. Saipal base camp from where our exploration started. From Challa there was hardly a trail visible, the terrain was rocky and it was as isolated as you could possibly get. However the views were fantastic and the potential for new exploration routes in abundance. For more information and Jamie’s story about our Mt. Saipal and Limi treks, please visit his website (and scroll down) at: http://www.project-himalaya.com/treks-previous-2008.html Page 6 Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Chyaduk 4.5 kW MHP Yari Solar

Thank you Rotary Clubs of North Wales (Distr. 1180), UK and Mt. Electrification Project Everest (Distr. 3292), Nepal to provide assistance to the Nepal Trust and the villagers of Chyaduk in the construction of a 4.5 kW Thank you Rotary Clubs of Beaconsfield (Distr. 1090), UK and MHP to electrify the entire village! Mt. Everest (Distr. 3292), Nepal to provide assistance to the This project will provide power for the entire village of Nepal Trust and the villagers of Yari in the installation of 57 solar Chyaduk (about 1.5 days walk from Simikot H.Q.), which consists panels to electrify the entire village! of 36 households (with approx. 200 people), a local school (with This project will provide power for the entire village of approx. 30 students), monastery, community centre, saw mill, oil Yari (about 1.5 days walk from Tibetan border), which consists expeller and crop irrigation. of 57 households (with approx. 420 people), a local school, The project implementation hopefully starts in 2010 and is 1 monastery and a community centre. expected to take approximately 7 months time to complete. We After our successful ‘Trek-to-Electrify’ in 2007, during which encourage members of both participating and sponsoring Rotary 12 UK Scouts and representatives from the Ilkley Wharfedale Clubs from UK and Nepal to have their representatives hands-on Rotary Club installed around 400 lights in the village of Til (Limi involved in the project work. Valley), it is now the turn of the Rotary Club of Beaconsfield (Distr. 1090) in 2010. We encourage members of both participating and sponsoring Rotary Clubs from UK and Nepal to have their representatives hands-on involved in the project work. Rotarians from Beaconsfield already have shown interest to come to Nepal in October to not only visit the manufacturer for solar equipment inspection, but also to assist Nepal Trust in the logistical arrangements and solar panel distribution to local villagers for this project in Humla itself.

Camping site at Yari

Conclusion

Both electrification projects will not only improve vital and practical community services and livelihoods and positively affect the lives of the villagers of Chyaduk and Yari, but also of other people living in and around the valley and those who are passing through, such as tourists, merchants, farmers, Buddhist monks, shepherds, volunteers, researchers, development workers and above all school children. Next to the direct benefits of electricity generation, the installation of sustainable and clean energy systems will not only give local people a healthier home environment, that will reduce the level of respiratory diseases and deforestation, but also will promote local tourism development (home stays), literacy and hygiene, support food production, create local employment (machine operators, handicraft production by women) and will increase development - and investment activities in the area. In addition, the project will also minimise the carbon emission from replacing the ‘Jharo’ (inner part of pine tree which is flammable and is used for household lightening), imported kerosene or Chinese torches and costly dry-cell.

TIL SOLAR HALJI MHP REPAIR & INSPECTION VISIT INSPECTION VISIT NOVEMBER 2008 NOVEMBER 2008 We’re happy to see Nepal Trust staff and that all solar equipment local porters trekked 5 was working properly. days through heavy snow The local people were in order to repair Halji extremely happy to have MHP. Due to the heavy lights in their homes and snowfall several poles thanked the Nepal Trust had fallen down and and the Rotary Clubs of cables needed to be Ilkley Wharfedale and replaced. Also during this Mt. Everest once again. visit we re-supplied the health post with much needed medicines. Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Page 7 Gothi MHP - Project Update

Manufacturing of electrical and mechanical components donors in the district and jointly As per the contract signed on March 2008, all the electromechanical submitted a proposal to Poverty equipment for Gothi MHP has been manufactured by Structo Nepal Pvt. Alleviation Fund (PAF) to Ltd. During the process, community leaders including Member of provide the necessary funds to Parliament from Humla, Mr Karna Jit Budhathoki, user committee fill the deficit. The proposal is in chairman Hansa Thapa and other representatives and project staff visited the process of approval with the factory to inspect and check the quality of the equipment. the support from Himalayan Conservation and Development Transportation of equipment to the site Association (HCDA); an NGO Until now, 6 helicopter loads of equipment has already been transported responsible for managing PAF to the site. A separate helicopter landing site was developed in Talchari; projects in Humla. Nepal army helicopter landing the site for the micro Hydro in Gothi in August 2008. In April 2009 a test landing with the civil aviation authority was Civil and E/M installation works completed to register the site an official helicopter landing site. At the field level, all necessary local materials including wooden poles, stone, sand and aggregates have been collected and transported, and Community mobilisation in implementation electromechanical equipment has been stored at the site. Some canal and and raising additional funds intake works including building BBT have been done. Followed with the One of the biggest challenges for the project has been the unprecedented information of budget deficit and difficulties in transportation, the project rise in the cost of helicopter transportation which increased from Rs works had to be halted and therefore the engineers were called back 118/KG to Rs 200/Kg leaving the project in financial crisis. During the from site in January 2009. course, the cost also went up in a number of other components. The next stage works will involve installation of HDPE pipes The cost revision done in November 2008 by Oshin Power Services (2-3 weeks) and installation of electromechanical components by the showed the budget deficit of $ 52,686.75 excluding the amount of installation company (3-4 months). As soon as the approval from PAF $ 16455 which was committed by DDC/Community but not yet delivered comes, we intend to immediately transport the remaining equipment due to a change of officers and lack of funds at DDC. and dispatch the technical team to carry out the installation. We expect NT mobilised the community leaders and members to explore potential to complete the project by July/August 2010

Water Project Kaskikot

This article is written by Dick Verstegen and Ellen Deimann from Holland. Our adopted son, Hom Dick is appointed by his Dutch Rotary Club Eindhoven-Veldhoven Bahadur Nepali, who we (District 1550) as ‘Paul Harris Fellow’. He has been extremely active support with his education, within Rotary for the last 25 years on not only club - and district level, but comes from Kaskikot. His also on national and international level. At present he is a member of parents are still living there. Past Rotary Club ‘De Kempen’. Ellen and I saw how life is The queue of people gets determined in advance due to the lack of weighed down due to the water resources. Only twenty to thirty women are standing at the water lack of water. We have tap in the hill village of Kaskikot, close to Pokhara. Today the tap is open carried out an exploration from 14:00 – 16:00 PM. They all know the protocol – you have to be study ourselves, first to lucky to get some, but don’t even try to take too much – the social control identify the need for a is high. Two hours of water availability per day – this comes in practical solution and Nepal Trust, on Ellen, Hom and Dick terms down to hardly six litres per person, which is according to the our behalf, has conducted a standard’s of World Health Organisation (WHO) ten times too little. To preparatory study in January 2009. After this study several issues were wash your self in the local pond is NOT an option, as due to the pollution raised that needed to be clarified in order to get an accurate insight on and waste deposits this barely streaming water source is highly the best way forward. contaminated. Because of this, the conditions of hygiene and health in Nepal Trust, with technical support from UNICEF and in partnership Kaskikot are very miserable. with CODEF (Community Development Form - http://codefnepal.com ), The ‘tap water’ comes from far. Due to the geographical location of under leadership of Sr. WATSAN engineer Mr. Guna Raj Shrestha, Kaskikot and its neighbouring villages Sarangkot and Naudanda, many who has been continuously involved in water and sanitation sector for kilometres of pipe are necessary to channel the water from the source to the last 20 years, has conducted a comprehensive field study in the local communities. Due to the fact that these pipes are almost lying July 2009 and made a very interesting water documentary (see exposed above the ground rather then being properly buried, overcrowded www.dailymotion.com/video/xaycda_waterproject-nepal_creation ). and prehistoric buses are destroying them constantly, furthermore, by CODEF, established in 1999, is a national level NGO in Nepal driving over them. What is even worse is the fact that the water source (Sankhuwa Sabha District) and is a pioneer in the water and sanitation tends to dry up; something has to happen, as the situation will become life sector with its head office in Kathmandu. CODEF has accomplished threatening. The Government is well aware of the situation, but money is several water and sanitation projects in partnership with UNICEF, not available in a civilian war torn Nepal. Once there is funding available, WHO, UN-Habitat, Concern World Wide, EU, Plan Nepal, Water Aid, a single water tank gets purchased, but, due to the lack of installation Helvetas and Nepal government. capacity, is left there to rust in the open country, or a few hundred meters The study showed that the project requires a significant amount of of pipe gets installed; in all procurements that don’t lead to anything, funding; approx. €400,000, which we hope to raise in Holland from rather then spending money without result. service clubs and through international subsidies and partnerships. We Indications show that if you have to wait for the Government to solve are incredibly grateful to the Nepal Trust, and specifically Jeroen and his the water problem of Kaskikot and the other villages, it will take you crew in the Kathmandu office, for all of their efforts and involvement to about 30 years! Who will still live there by then? A project with a sound date. However; the real work has yet to begin… approach is needed, in which the problem is dealt with thoroughly and solved within a couple of years. Dick Verstegen & Ellen Deimann Page 8 Namaste - The Nepal Trust News A Growing Tourism Perspective...

Dear past ‘Trek-to-Builders’, supporters, members and Rotarians. Today tourism is one of the world’s largest industries; it produces 4.4% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs around 200 million people globally. In addition to this, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) states that tourism nowadays has become a major sector of economic activity since the latter part of the twentieth century and all indications are that it will continue growing at a global average of 4.5% in the years to come. At the same time, our global heritage of living species is threatened as never before, as the protected areas that harbour so much of the world’s biodiversity are exposed to the pressures of unsustainable development. The precautionary approach urges us to be especially concerned about tourism in protected areas, given the risk of damage and destruction to this unique natural resource. The UNWTO continues that with this growth a diversification of tourism products and destinations is taking place, with increased demand for nature based tourism, including ecotourism, visitation Jeroen at Nyu La pass - 5000m + (photo taken by James Vlahos) to national and natural parks, rural based tourism, and the like. It is estimated that within the tourism sector itself about 10% of international tourists wish to purchase natural and cultural heritage (Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty) and Nepal Tourism Board, sites, which makes this particular segment the fastest growing within to promote tourism throughout Nepal in order to reduce poverty levels the sector overall. In addition, there is a tendency that over the last (SEE ARTICLE GHT PAGE 5). decade several initiatives came up to combine sustainable tourism This gave us also the great opportunity to introduce National development with social works (i.e. charity/experience tourism, Geographic Adventure Magazine to our development projects in responsible/green travel, etc.). Humla District (Limi Valley) - the article has been published in This indicates that there is a growing interest within the market that November 2009 edition. This is a great recognition and reward for all shows tourists are more inclined to leave more behind than just their our efforts to date, but this is not where we stop! foot prints and sincerely try to make an effort to use their holiday The Nepal Trust is trying to extend its ‘Treks-to-Build’ as a global money in a very useful way by helping less well off people that have model for responsible tourism, by appealing to international travel to struggle every day in order just to exist. agents, tour operators, development organisations and individual Haven taken this into account about 15 years ago, The Nepal Trust travelers worldwide (and you!), starting with Nepal’s poorest districts, has been pioneering responsible tourism in the far Western corner of notably Dolpa, Mugu, Bajura and Kalikot, that lack basic (social) Nepal since 1995 and was the first development organisation in this infrastructure but have tremendous tourism potential. So please join vast region, if not the entire country, to initiate the so-called ‘Treks-to- and support the Nepal Trust; trek, explore and enjoy with us! In order Build Health & Community’ programme. A simple yet highly effective to raise awareness about our development works and intensions, we programme, in which environmentally responsible tourism is used as hereby like to inform you that The Nepal Trust has been participating a tool to provide direct benefits to natural areas and to the social, in the ‘Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place - Sustaining the cultural - and economic welfare of locals, promoting conservation and Future of Destinations’ contest with its ‘Treks-to-Build Health & sustainable development. Community’ projects, for which we have received tremendous support Despite the rich biodiversity and natural habitats of Humla and from Rotary over the years (see video on the link mentioned below). throughout the Karnali region, mountain people live, in general, in This contest is about identifying innovative examples of tourism tremendous poverty. Our ‘Treks-to-Build’ present great opportunities development around the globe and we truly believe that over the last for developing a kind of sustainable tourism that not only can generate 15 years we tried our very best (together with Rotary and all you high levels of employment and incomes for the poor, but also enhances fellow supporters) to make a genuine effort by creating ‘A New lives of rural communities through infrastructure development, social Tourism for a New Century’. We kindly request you to support the mobilisation, training, education and institutional development. Nepal Trust in order to help us implementing our grass-roots In order to achieve this, Nepal Trust has responded to the needs of development efforts to help the poorest people on this planet, that are local communities for improved access to basic health, education, living in the far end of West Nepal, tucked away in the ‘Hidden employment, food security and renewable energy resources for the Himalayas’. last 15 years, by bringing paying tourists to our project areas to not Please visit the link below to learn about our initiative and only enjoy a great holiday, but also to help building up local development projects. Our full entry contains supporting video infrastructure facilities, such as health posts, schools, monasteries, and photo material of real tourists and can be viewed at: community centres, solar panel installations and micro-hydro power http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/22669 plants. All with and for local people, to improve their quality and We truly appreciate it if you could share this message with your enjoyment of life. family, friends, networks and colleagues or whoever you think might The income generated from our ‘Treks-to-Build’ form additional be interested in sustainable development for people in need. On behalf funding for our charitable works, that is all re-invested in the local of Nepal Trust I kindly thank you all for you great efforts in advance villages through community based projects, medicine distribution, and we hope to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us for any incentives and social activities. The budgets are separated from the of your inquiries or requests. donor project finances deliberately, due to the fact that local people should still be able to get their project in case tourists don’t sign up. Best regards, In 2008 we have been selected as programme manager for the Jeroen van den Bergh ‘Great Himalayan Trail’ Development Programme, an initiative from Director of Operations, The Nepal Trust . UNWTO, SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation), ST-EP [email protected] www.nepaltrust.org Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Page 9

The Nepal Trust & In 2007 Nepal Trust organised an interaction programme with Nepal Scout boys and girls and the Scout team from Wharfedale. During this programme the Scouts exchanged songs, told each other about their social programmes. We also visited the Nepal Scout museum; in all a very memorable day in which Scouts from different parts of the world connected with each other.

Mr. Shree Ram Lamichhane is Chairman of the Asia Pacific Region sub Committee for Scouting, Chief Commissioner of Nepal Scouts and Chief Commissioner of the Honory Council of Luxembourg. He says, “I very much appreciated the work of the Nepal Trust and UK Scouting and what it does for the welfare of Nepal. I personally am grateful and also on behalf of Nepal Scouts to see such support to our Country. Especially as Shree Ram our Founder, Mr. Baden Powell is from the UK, Lamichhane I feel a deep connection towards UK and we (Chief Commissioner can be proud he gave such a wonderful youth Nepal Scouts) organisation to the world. To show our gratitude for this, we named one mountain peak ‘Baden Powell Scout Peak’, which we cherish as one of our national treasures. Currently there is an expedition team from Finland that is climbing this wonderful peak. This all indicates A Special attendant was the first trained Nepalese Scout, our close ties with UK and as it was a privilege to have your group as our Prof. Govinda Narayan “Jyapoo”. The programme was also visitors, Nepal Scouts definitely looks forward to develop its relationship broadcast on national television. with Nepal Trust and Scout boys, girls and their leaders from the UK.” Mr. Lamichhane has been actively participating in Nepal Scouting for more than 40 years and has been awarded for his contribution in generating disciplined and self-dependant school; students through the teachings of Please visit the Nepal Scouts website at: Scouting throughout Nepal. He recently has been awarded first class of http://www.nepalscouts.org.np Boys Scout citation medal of Thailand, which was presented to him by the Thai Prince at a function at Chitralada Raj Prasad in Bangkok.

The Nepal Trust scores a hit with ‘Treks to Build’

I blame Stephen Venables for and consider them some of my closest friends. Naturally, I have tried introducing me to the Himalaya and to help them where possible and in a way that avoids interfering with the wonderful country of Nepal! their ordinary lives. I blame Rotary International for In the UK I am President of the Rotary Club of North Norfolk. introducing me to The Nepal Trust! Nine months ago, I was reading an in-house magazine ‘Rotary Antarctica is my normal destination. World’ and learned, for the first time, about the fantastic work carried The Polar Regions tell of a fascinating, out by The Nepal Trust. What caught my eye immediately was the albeit recent and brief, history of man’s ‘Treks-to Build Health and Community’ programme. What a simple endeavours to penetrate the ‘Great yet fantastic and innovative concept! The idea of taking paid – up White’. The Heroic Age of exploration trekkers on a journey of scenic AND community discovery is (1898 – 1922) is a subject dear to my powerful and unique. What could be more responsible? At a single heart. I have a library of over 1000 books on the subject and I write stroke, profits from the treks are ploughed straight back into local endlessly about it. I have journeyed south a number of times now. community and environmental projects. The tourist wins. The local I know what it is like to be cut in half by razor-sharp winds and to walk people, economy and environment win. in an endless, dreamlike, state for hours on end. Well done to The Nepal Trust and well done to Jeroen and Jigme, And then, about 6 years ago, one of Britain’s most accomplished in particular! and yet most modest mountaineers crossed my path. Stephen Venables I am so impressed with this initiative that I intend to get involved became the first Briton to climb Everest without oxygen in 1988. It in a ‘T2B’ trek to the Limi Region in September 2010. I want to find has been my privilege to trek and climb with him over the past 5 years. out more about this great idea. I want to be involved in the future. It is We have ‘done’ strategic parts of the Khumbu Himal and recently a marvellous opportunity not to be missed. If anyone is interested in returned from a gruelling circuit of Manaslu. In October 2007 we joining the team please get in touch with The Nepal Trust as soon as found ourselves trekking through the Pabar-Kinnaur regions of possible – there’s much to arrange, there’s much to achieve. Northern India. The list goes on. See you there? In 2005 I became acquainted with an impoverished family in Kathmandu. Over the past 4 years I have grown to love them dearly Stephen Scott-Fawcett FRGS. Page 10 Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Education Volunteers / Rebuilding Yalbang School

Education is key for development of local communities. The Nepal Trust Asia and Nepal/India will be my last stop has the intention to improve education of local school children in Humla before I return home and a country I have and especially along the GHT route. During our last field visit in late 2008, wanted to go to ever since I can remember. Nepal Trust received a request from Yalbang/Yangar Community to help I chose to contact the Nepal Trust because raising funds to rebuild and equip the local Government school. I did not want a fluffy volunteer post with If you are interested to be a potential donor and want to come out on a big company and tonnes of other westerners. a trek to rebuild this school, please contact our office in UK. I wanted something personal, something To already start our educational support in Yalbang, Chiara Bassetti, a serious, something challenging and I am bright Italian volunteer, assisted local school teachers and school children in hoping that this is what I have found. Chiara July and August 2009. She furthermore looked at possibilities to implement I expect it to be hard (I will be way out of my comfort zone in the (wo)men education programmes. Chiara had great time as a volunteer living Himalayas on my own with nobody I know and people of a very different in the local community and the programme was a great success. culture to my own) but at the same time immensely rewarding, where I Please read Chiara’s story below to see what made her join Nepal Trust can offer some of what my education and western privileges have given me as an educational volunteer: and are a normal part of my day-to-day existence to an area wherein something as simple as education is hugely underdeveloped yet hugely “I guess what brings me to Nepal and to the Nepal Trust is a combined important if countries such as Nepal are to lift themselves out of the love of people, mountains and the desire to give back something of what restrictions of poverty. In return I imagine that the beauty of the landscape I take from the wealth of experience that travelling and being in a and the Nepali people will, by working with them and living in their homes different country to my own gives me! for these six weeks, be something I will carry within me as a true Having taken a year out from everything since September 2008 to experience of the country, the people and an exchange of the different yet travel around the globe, I have been in Kenya, Argentina, South East equally valuable gifts that our different cultures can interchange”. Chiara Fundraising We have been developing some exciting new initiatives for fundraising, giving our donors a choice in how they support our work in Humla. Below are just a few ideas that may interest you or people you know. For further details, see the website, or contact Chris Rae at [email protected] or [email protected] Tel. 07879 016443 Community Connections This initiative is aimed at groups such as Rotary clubs, towns, businesses or even families, who would like to make a unique connection with a village in Humla. In return for fundraising to cover the ongoing costs of our projects in a village, you can receive regular updates from Chairman Mike Love connects with villagers that village, in the knowledge that you are helping guarantee a more secure future for the from the Ghoti community villagers and their children. You can also arrange to visit your village on one of our treks.

Membership: Committing to a regular donation is the most valuable way to support our work. Knowing that you’ll continue to be there helps us plan ahead and secure further funding, and with Member or Friend status, you’ll automatically receive the annual edition of Namaste. Gift Donations: If you’re stuck for what to buy for the person who has already has everything, why not give them a present that will make a difference, in the form of a donation? We can produce greetings cards with beautiful pictures from Humla. Gift List: With the help of the Justgiving website, it is now simple and secure to set up your own site for people to donate to the Nepal Trust, ideal for special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. Shop Online: Easyfundraising is a website listing 600 online stores. Whenever you shop with any one of the stores, you'll generate a free donation for us of up to 15% of your spend at no extra cost to you! www.easyfundraising.org.uk/thenepaltrust Volunteering Opportunities in the UK In order to channel funds to where they are needed most, we keep running costs to an absolute minimum, so we’ve always got jobs for volunteers. Here are just some of the ways that you can help out in the UK. Fundraise: Challenge yourself to organise or participate in an event, raise sponsorship with a fun experience that will make a difference! Speak out: Represent the Nepal Trust in your area at speaking engagements, conferences, village fetes etc. Contribute to the website: Put your creative skills to use by writing articles, researching and editing videos and photos. Kris Whybro took part in the UK General help: If you’re based near Edinburgh we often need help with tasks such as mail-outs Ironman, raising over £1,000 in sponsorship via his Justgiving website. (biscuits will be supplied!). Supporters’ packs available We now have Supporters’ Packs available to help make things easy for those of you who are keen to get involved in raising awareness and funds. Full of ideas and resources, these can be sent out by post or you can download items from our website. Namaste - The Nepal Trust News Page 11 A Big Thanks to Rotary

Over the years the Rotary clubs of Wells and Avalon (D.1200) have ROTARY PROJECTS 08/09: been great supporters of the Nepal Trust, especially in the healthcare Ghoti Khola Micro-Hydro - Districts 1160, 1010, RC Cheltenham sector. In the upcoming year the clubs will support the refurbishment Cleeve Vale (D.1100), Sturminster Newton (D.1110) - now in progress of a health post and the implementation of child health education Health Post refurbishment - RC Antrim (D.1160) in memory of the programmes that aim to educate school children in the fields of late Rtn. David J. McConnell - completed personal hygiene, family planning, diseases, sanitation, first aid and Halji Micro-Hydro - RC Misbourne Matins (D. 1090) - completed nutrition. Til Solar Project - RC Ilkley Wharfedale (D. 1040) - completed Once again we like to thank the clubs for their great contributions and support! Contributions of £100 or more towards the ongoing projects in health, education and renewable energy have been made by the Rotary Clubs of: Wells Rotary (D.1200) Farnborough, Maidenhead Thames, Bangor, Wells, & Nepal Trust - Avalon, Uxbridge, Berwick upon Tweed, High Wycombe, Aberfeldy, December 2009 Edgbaston, Campeltown, Shirley, Chorley, Sidcup, Misbourne (Jeroen van den Bergh Matins, Hove, Strathendrick, Bushey & Oxhey, Warwick, N Wirral, & Adrian Lawrence) Ramsbottom, Fleet, Keyworth & Ruddington, Pitlochry, Leamington Spa, Frodsham & Helsby, Denny, Horwich, Elgin, Callander and West Perthshire, Sherwood Forrest, Endon Stockton Brook. A number of other Clubs have also bought raffle tickets, but we cannot list all the names due to space restrictions. Many thanks to you all for your support! Once again The Nepal Trust would like to express their gratitude for the We are also grateful for the help from the International Service continued support of individual Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, Districts and Committee of RIBI, the Rotary Foundation and in Nepal the Rotary the Rotary Foundation. Clubs of Lalitpur and Mount Everest. APPRECIATION AND THANKS TO ALL OUR KIND SUPPORTERS

From July 08 to July 09 we have had donations of/amounting to £300 Our raffle in May brought in almost £4000 - thank you all for helping or more from the following: with the tickets! Individuals: Anne Brown, Gisel Bode, Sue Millar, Ceris Jones, Rich and Di Coleman, Danny Jones, Adrian Lawrence, Edwin Dunlop; Mrs I. Owen; Thanks to our volunteers, helpers and others for their support and Mike & Pavla Love; Thomas Riebl; Peter Knowles; Alan Jacobsen, EH contributions: Steve Davis, Dan Yeoman, Roy Cameron, Rodger Thom, Glendinning; Annelies Litschauer, Chris Rae, Jim Donovan, Liz Donovan Donald Brown, David Easton, Jane Lockyer, Phil Jackson, Stuart Tizick, Trusts, Companies: TRAID, SNV, STEP, CAF, UNESCO, The Paget Isabel Smith, Angela Ewing and all the staff, directors and trustees of Trust, The Street Theatre Workshop Trust, The Paul Charitable Trust, the Nepal Trust teams in the UK and Nepal. The Souter Charitable Trust, The Stonewall Park Charitable Trust, The Rhododendron Trust, Wells Golf Club. As always we’re sorry that we can’t mention all the names of people For their enthusiastic fundraising efforts we would like to thank: who are donating regularly or are helping in some other way. Just know Janet Griffin, Adrian Lawrence, Tony Robinson, Tony Sharpe, Mike Love, that your contributions, financially or otherwise, are always fully Nikolay Love, Anna Dawbin, Ceris Jones, Laura Flutter, Bob Small, appreciated. Dave Atkins, Drew Hall, Jill Davies, Amy Ford, Kris Whybro and all the people who sponsored them in their activities. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP! ¢

Please return this form to: The Nepal Trust, 20/9 Craighall Crescent, Edinburgh EH6 4RZ Support Form Alternatively, you can donate online at www.nepaltrust.org Gift aid & standing order forms are also available online.

Become a Member : Donate at least £10 per month/£120 per year to become a member. In return, you will receive Namaste, our yearly magazine, and exclusive invites to member only events. (Please return this form to us, and also complete the standing order form below.) Become a Friend : As little as £2 per month or £25 per year will make an ongoing difference. You will receive Namaste and other regular communications updating you on our work. (Please return this form to us, and also complete the standing order form below.) I enclose a one-off donation of £______(Cheques should be made payable to 'The Nepal Trust') Gift Aid: I am a UK taxpayer and would like the Nepal Trust to reclaim the tax on my donation.

Name: ______Email: ______Address:______Postcode: ______Tel: ______

I have set up a standing order for £_____ per *month/quarter/year (*please indicate) with effect from ___ /___ /___ ¢ If setting up a standing order, please send this portion to your bank or building society: Bank Standing Order Mandate Your Bank Name:______Bank Address: ______Your Account No: ______Sort Code: ______Please pay to: Bank of Scotland, 102 High Street, Forres, Moray IV36 1PA, Scotland For the Account of: The Nepal Trust - Account No: 00107833 Sort Code: 80-06-81 The sum of £______and the same sum on the same day in each *month/quarter/year (*indicate) Date of first payment:______Signed: ______Date: ___ /___ /___ Printed by Big Sky, Findhorn Tel: 01309 691640/1 s w e N M U t hrough t i m B L l Li us r T 1 s) 3 p pa n 4 e A get . 41 3 o N t innes , C 60 al p e m o P c N du HP 01 E k. cGu n t 4 , e a n TO M 5 ed s u i 1 li 7 m 9 e 9 h T 7 0 r T th 8 mi 0 l - a : @w 97 2 t a J o K pa s e r 0 e y u j, re-suppl N 0 b r be n - : t N O PH x n x o : u jg l HP B i em v en ak . a Fa / a r t t s ama l a O m No N to h e T Halji . P - - E na at Ma . G st ds (Pho a ki m Lag ru T hs ) La al a r ont mla p a p 0m m e N g r Hu : N er o . 458 & ( int : HT endru K y VE O W t s u ss mi ar r h t s Li HW AB pa RIG o t l a R o t har p n e g lgi the ry E : ri d e n . w : te g E B s E V an V : T na w w b BO al BO EF A mo Y L A ds i k : g r o . ml a FT t n HP UK u E ce L H t Z es 020 rmi 4 4R Cr rs u T e K ll rt l a p e n t s u n l a 467 o H6 i a h t 1 E g i p e N ca 13 a r u 0 h g r l C : @ n i m d a Ed Ti e h T l e u b : l T s & 9 20/ n di E i a m - lager E ealth H Vil : : VE O VE O 2 1 AB AB e Pag