MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Ongoing activities related to sustainable tourism
Regarding the activities related to sustainable tourism, KEEP operates as a traveler' information center providing genuine, unbiased and updated information of Nepal as well as environmentally safe trekking in the scenic Himalayas since its operation. But, due to political situation we have had to postpone our activities in Pokhara and Sermathang.
KEEP has continued with its conservation, environmental awareness and community programme through its International School Conservation Programme. The International School Conservation Programme has given both the international students and the host community a wonderful opportunity to work together towards achieving community development activities. The activities they are involved include are awareness campaign on hygiene and sanitation, renovation of school infrastructure, school/community toilet construction, solid waste management practices, during water project as well as provided the locals with the means to carry out the overall development of their community.
During the trekking season, KEEP conducts a Slide Talk Presentation on the different topics aiming to give general information on different trekking routes and also advice on practical conservation, and do's and don't of Nepalese society. There have been more than 600 slide shows covering various subjects of utmost importance.
Besides providing information, for the past few years KEEP has to play a significant role in the conservation and management of eco-tourism in Nepal. Through its high caliber trainings, research, workshop and volunteer programs KEEP has been very successful in working towards multidisciplinary development of communities that are tourism based. KEEP annually conducts trainings and workshop to strengthen the capacity of the trekking professional, which in turn will have an immense impact on sustainable tourism in Nepal.
Strength about VIC development
Visitor information center plays an important role in tourism industry by providing information to the visitors that encourages them to know more about the country and also advices on practical conservation. Similarly, providing information to the local people to preserve the environment and its importance, as tourism is the major source for the community development. There has been increased recognition of the role of visitor information center and their importance in providing highly reliable information to tourist and the local people despite of all this has been decrease in the numbers of VIC in Nepal due to the current political condition within the country.
KEEP, leading Information Center for the tourist works to prevent tourism from damaging the culture, heritage and environment of Nepal by providing free information and advices to all visitors regarding trekking to different parts of Nepal.
Geographic areas location (DDC/VDC) of ongoing activities
Due to internal political situation within the country, KEEP has had to close down two key VIC including Pokhara and Sermathang (Helambu Region)
Planned activities related to sustainable tourism
KEEP will continue with its regular activities. Besides that KEEP has planned to work with likeminded organization toward Sustainable Tourism Development in Nepal promoting the ethics of sustainable tourism industry in correlation to environment.
Poverty Alleviation/Energy Efficient Lodges:
The most important areas where KEEP is interested and has expertise is poverty Alleviation and Energy Efficient Lodges. KEEP has long term strategy on poverty Alleviation through awareness programs on sustainable tourism practices and Energy Efficient Lodges, which also supports the long-term strategy of KEEP.
Geographic areas location (DDC/VDC) of planned activities
Still in planning phase.
Past activities related to sustainable tourism
As previously mentioned, KEEP operates as visitors' Information Center had four Information Center which has been postpone due to the political scenario affecting the tourism industry and also the financial constraints within the organization has forced KEEP to adjourn these programs.
· Pokhara Visitor Information Center.
· Sermathang Visitor Information Center.
· Sallery Visitor Information Center
· Bardia Visitors' Center
· Poverty Alleviation through Micro-enterprise activities.
· Training and workshop
· Environmental Awareness Program
Geographic areas location (DDC/VDC) of past activities:
1. Sermathang, Kuil VDC, Sindupalchowk
2. Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski
3. Salleri, Solu Khumbu
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