KATHMANDU: Damber Parajuli has been reelected president of the Expedition Operators' Association Nepal (EOAN) through a unanimous vote during the organization's annual general meeting held in the capital.

"The government must prioritize and protect Nepal's mountaineering sector," Parajuli declared after his reelection, outlining his vision to facilitate innovation and improvement in expedition operations across Nepal.

The newly elected executive committee includes Iswari Paudel as first vice-president, Shivraj Thapa as second vice-president, and Rishi Ram Bhandari as general secretary. Dawa Steven Sherpa and Dawa Sangbu Sherpa were elected secretary and treasurer respectively.

Executive committee composition

Nine members were selected for the executive committee: Pemba Sherpa, Govinda Gurung, Krishna Kumar Aryal, Murari Sharma, Jiban Ghimire, Navin Trital, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Ang Babu Sherpa, and Mingma David Sherpa.

Government commitment

Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), urged expedition operators to promote Nepal's adventure tourism globally while assuring government support.

"MoCTCA is always ready to address issues raised by tourism entrepreneurs," Niraula stated at the gathering attended by expedition operators, tourism entrepreneurs, and well-wishers.

Association's role and mission

Established in 2008, EOAN works to promote climbing and mountaineering while valuing fragile mountain ecosystems, local economies, and vulnerable communities. The Department of Tourism annually assigns the association to fix ropes along summit routes of Mt. Everest, Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Mt. Ama Dablam.

"The association provides a platform for Nepal's prolific and reputed expedition operators to unite in their efforts to efficiently promote and enhance the quality of expeditions in the Himalayan region," Parajuli said.

General Secretary Rishi Ram Bhandari affirmed the association's commitment to working for the betterment of the country's adventure tourism sector.

Mountaineers Chhiring Bhote, Lhakpa Sherpa, Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa, Hira Bhote, Pasang Sherpa, and Karma Sarki Sherpa, hailing from Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, and Ramechhap districts, were honored for their work in fixing the route to the summit of Manaslu. The appreciation was presented by Chief Guest Mukunda Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General of the Tourism Department.