Kathmandu, 5 April: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Nepal at the ICIMOD headquarters here today. The partnership envisages joint work on the common goal of protection of mountain environments and promotion of the International Mountain Museum at Pokhara, among other things.

Santa Bir Lama, President NMA, and Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

The MoU notes that NMA and ICIMOD recognize the need for a common approach and methodology for joint research, technology transfer, capacity building, and exchange of information in pursuit of these common goals. The prioritized areas of collaboration will be based on areas of mutual interest, such as promotion of the International Mountain Museum (IMM), knowledge exchange, advocacy, celebration of mountain day, and other joint events.

Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD, highlighted the importance of collaboration and synergy between the two institutions and the need to work together to improve livelihood opportunities for mountain communities through promotion of niche mountain products, destination planning to promote local tourism, and other aligned activities to promote sustainable mountain development. He emphasized the need for greater advocacy to place mountains on the global agenda, especially during the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022.

“This agreement has opened up avenues for further collaboration for advocacy on mountaineering and promotion of mountain livelihoods while keeping in mind the overall goal of protection of mountain environments.”
– Santa Bir Lama, President, NMA

 
Arun Bhakta Shrestha, Regional Programme Manager- River Basins and Cryosphere, ICIMOD highlighted the avenues and areas of collaboration that have been created through the signing of the MoU for collaborative activities between ICIMOD and NMA and reported on the outcome of ICIMOD’s recent visit to IMM.

Kul Prasad Rai, Chief Executive Officer, NMA highlighted the five key areas of collaboration and committed to collaborate by developing joint proposals, organizing joint events, and working together through an agreed annual implementation plan.

Basanta Raj Shrestha, Director Strategic Cooperation, ICIMOD highlighted ICIMOD’s past and ongoing work on mountain ecosystems and communities and reiterated its commitment to serve the mountains and people of the region directly and through partners at different levels.

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