KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has declared that protecting the Himalayas is a collective duty of all of us.

Addressing a program held on Tuesday on the occasion of the Everest Summiteers Conference, Minister Pandey congratulated all the summiteers who have successfully climbed the mountains and emphasized the need to preserve the Himalayan culture and keep the mountains safe for future generations.

Minister Pandey said, “We are not here only to congratulate those who have reached the world’s highest peaks, but also to show respect for their courage, dedication, and determination.”

He also expressed special appreciation for the Sherpa community, guides, rescue teams, and all those continuously serving in the Himalayan region. “Their dedication has made mountain journeys safer, environmentally sensitive, and more meaningful,” the minister added.

Minister Pandey stated that the government is working with priority on infrastructure, training, and environmental protection to promote mountaineering. He further affirmed the commitment to improving the prosperity and living standards of local communities alongside mountain tourism.

Portraying the Himalayas not just as geographical mountains but as bridges of civilization, culture, and coexistence, Minister Pandey said, “These mountains are sacred, and it is our shared responsibility to keep them safe.”

Highlighting that the future of the Himalayas is threatened due to climate change and global warming, he said, “The time has come for us to protect these mountains with caution, wisdom, and respect.”

He expressed confidence that the event would inspire all of humanity to renew their commitment to the mountains.
During the conference, both domestic and foreign mountaineers were also honored.