The Pros And Cons Of Accessing Mt Everest

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Whether visitors have a moral right to access certain areas is a turbulent and much debated topic. I do not believe that areas of the planet should be restricted for those whom are adequately prepared and able to travel. However, I also understand the concerns and issues associated, especially from an environmental sustainability perspective. As a result, I am not opposed to introducing restrictions to limit the effects as well as capacity. In regards, to the case of whether tourists have the moral right to access Mt Everest, I again feel that if properly regulated any person whom are adequately prepared and able should be able to access Mt Everest. I believe the best way to navigate this issue is to place requirements upon tour operators and …show more content…

These are the best government agencies to take responsibility through the public sector as they have the knowledge of the area and the power to regulate policies, tour operators, and visitors. Thus, being the best equipped to implement regulations on a public resource, such as Mt Everest. The Department of Tourism for Nepal has already taken some action as an amendment in its proposed Tourism Act was approved. By banning foreign solo climbers from attempting Mt Everest is an attempt to reduce risks faced whilst climbing Everest. The Mountaineering Expedition Regulation has also delegated more power towards the Department of Tourism allowing the department to independently function. This announcement is hopeful in securing more jobs and ensuring the rights of Sherpas, Nepali climbing guides, who are often overworked, rushed and pushed beyond their capabilities into dangerous circumstances to keep clients satisfied. Perpetrating clients are often tourists who are motivated by their need for recognition travel to obtain status by proving to themselves and others they are capable of achieving something or are better than those around them (Ivanov, …show more content…

By restricting access, it may hurt the economy of surrounding areas and cause resistance with tour operators. Tour operators may place the responsibility solely upon the Nepal Government by emphasizing the economic and employment efforts evident that they, as businesses, are taking care of what they see as they’re responsibility (Hall & Lew, 2009). However, tour operators as stakeholders themselves must accept higher responsibility and actively work with government agencies for the strategic plans and policies to be effective. Whether knowingly or not, individual tourists are causing damage to resources they’re consuming, as stakeholders they have responsibility for the impacts of their purchasing decisions (Hall & Lew, 2009). I would recommend that the Nepal Government implement tighter permit restrictions, including how many issued per annum as well as limit of person per permit. Aiming to reduce numbers, this practice requires participation from stakeholders to be successful. The Nepal Mountain Training Academy (NMTA) has a center used for educational and training purposes. This center could be formed into attraction of its own with tailored Mt Everest exhibitions, as was similarly done with the International Antarctic Centre (IAC) in Christchurch, New Zealand. My personal experience highlights at the IAC were travelling in the Hagglund transport and experiencing an Artic storm. As a

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