Dr. Surya Bahadur Ghimire (PhD) Mountain Tourism Researcher

Introduction As often described, the third pole is the Hindu Kush and Himalayan (HKH) region, housing the most ice and snow after the polar regions. It covers eight nations— Nepal , India , China , Pakistan , and Afghanistan— and is the source of ten major river systems, including the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra.  This vital region sustains the livelihoods of more than two billion people, either directly through glacial meltwater or indirectly through agriculture and hydropower. Yet the increasing speed at which snow and ice are melting brings an added risk to this delicate ecosystem and the communities that rely on it. The Current Situation The HKH region has experienced extreme heat waves over the past century. According to the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) , the region’s average temperature has risen about 1.5°C over the past century—nearly twice the global average. A study published in Nature in 2019 estimated that, even with significant ...

“Biodiversity is humanity's ally. We must move from plundering it to preserving it." Abstract The current biodiversity crisis is a serious threat to ecosystems as well as human survival and well-being, and it is mostly caused by human activity. In addition to discussing the pressing need for a paradigm shift from exploitation to conservation, this article examines the significance of biodiversity as a vital ally of humanity. The ecological, economic and cultural advantages of biodiversity are highlighted in this paper through a review of the literature. Additionally, a framework for sustainable management and policy interventions to protect biodiversity is proposed in the article.  Introduction Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, underpins ecosystem stability and supports essential services that sustain human life (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). However, rapid industrialisation, deforestation, and pollution have accelerated the decline of biodiversity, comprom...

Carbon Emissions Globally: The Impact on the Mountain Tourism Sector in Nepal. Introduction Global carbon emissions have emerged as a pressing environmental challenge. Mainly arising from fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and deforestation, these emissions are accelerating climate change at an unprecedented pace. Mountainous areas around the globe, including the Himalayas, are especially susceptible to these transformations. Nepal renewed for its stunning mountains, is experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand. These consequences go beyond environmental damage and pose a significant threat to Nepal’s mountain tourism, which plays a crucial role in the national economy. This article examines global carbon emission patterns, their impacts on mountain tourism, and possible strategies to alleviate these effects in Nepal. Global Carbon Emission Trends In recent decades, carbon emissions have risen sharply. Key drivers include industrialisation, transportation, energy ...