ICIMOD launches 'Access and Benefit Sharing Knowledge Portal

ICIMOD launches 'Access and Benefit Sharing Knowledge Portal

(Kathmandu, Nepal, 30 July 2008) The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) announces the launching of a web portal on 'Access and Benefit Sharing from Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge'. Accessible at http://www.icimod.org/abs/, the portal contains information about Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms and processes being carried out as well as the development and implementation of ABS regimes in countries of the Himalayan region. The portal provides links related to the subject and aims to serve as a regional clearing house mechanism on ABS. Through this facility, ICIMOD hopes to encourage, enable, and support learning and foster multi-stakeholder discussions and sharing of the ongoing debates and dialogues at international, regional, and national levels on the subject.BackgroundIn simple terms, access and benefit sharing means that one person or entity (the user) obtains biological or genetic resources and or knowledge from another person, entity, or country (the provider) in exchange for benefits. The CBD aims to achieve the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge by facilitating access through prior informed consent of the provider. Article 15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) provides a framework for the implementation of ABS. All the countries in the Himalayan region are party to the Convention and are implementing ABS regimes.Implementing the framework in practical and legal terms is complex and has raised concerns amongst stakeholders. The portal thus aims to raise awareness as well as provide a platform for sharing and discussing various options in dealing with ABS issues. ICIMOD, a regional intergovernmental organisation based in Kathmandu, Nepal, recently launched the portal as part of a project to promote ABS in the eastern Himalayan countries. The Centre has been working with 13 partners in four Eastern Himalayan countries - Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan – in seven project sites since 2005, to promote the ABS process. Plans are underway to expand the project's coverage over the long term to the entire Himalayan region, which covers Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan – ICIMOD's regional member countries.Supported by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the BMZ, the programme reaches out to marginalised groups from grassroots-based mountain women, Dalits, indigenous peoples (Janajatis and ethnic minorities), to policy and decision makers to raise awareness and build the capacity of local institutions and individuals belonging to these groups. The aim is to implement sustainable ABS regimes. Through this programme which is part of a broader Biodiversity Conservation and Management Programme, ICIMOD aims to develop the competence of partner organisations by supporting activities such as capacity building, documenting and evaluating traditional knowledge, assisting in developing regulatory instruments, and a variety of information sharing platforms. The capacity of stakeholders and partners in the government and nongovernmental organizations is being enhanced who are imparting knowledge and skills related to ABS mechanism among the indigenous people and marginalized communities. Through this process, the ABS mechanism is gradually internalised among the communities as an opportunity for poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation.Regional ContextThe Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region, and more specifically the Eastern Himalayas, is one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots – a treasure house of genetic biodiversity and natural resources managed with rich base of traditional knowledge and skills. These resources provide the basis for building livelihoods for mountain communities.ICIMOD believes that local communities and stakeholders can protect and manage their genetic resources and biological diversity. This will only be possible if the people who take care of the resources also get benefits from them and get full support from the local and national governments, civil society organisations and the international community.For further information contact: Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli, Regional Coordinator, ABS – EHBiodiversity Conservation and ManagementEnvironmental Change and Ecosystem Services, ICIMODTel: 5003222, Email: koli@icimod.org, www.icimod.org Ms. Nira GurungCommunications OfficerInternational Centre for Integrated Mountain DevelopmentKhumaltar, LalitpurGPO Box 3226, Kathmandu, NepalTel: 977-1-5003222, Ext. 115Fax: 977-1-5003277Email: ngurung@icimod.org, info@icimod.orgwww.icimod.orgICIMOD publications on-line -- download or order direct at http://www.books.icimod.org

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Notice for Participation in Travel Trade Fairs 2008

Notice for Participation in Travel Trade Fairs 2008

S.N

Fair/Mart
Date
Participation Fee (Nrs)
Deadline forApplication
No. ofCompanies
Contact
1
TTF, Ahmedabad
Aug. 22-24, 2008
40,000/-
Aug. 10, 2008
4
jbhattarai@ntb.org.np
2
TTF, Surat
Aug. 29-31, 2008
40,000/-
Aug. 10, 2008
4
jbhattarai@ntb.org.np
3
JATA World Travel Fair
Sept. 18-21, 2008
1,25,000/-
Aug. 08, 2008
5
rkhanal@ntb.org.np
4
China Sales Mission
Sept. End
70,000/-
Aug. 08, 2008
8
rkhanal@ntb.org.np
5
ITB Asia
Oct. 22-24, 2008
70,000/-
Aug.10, 2008
5
udali@ntb.org.np
6
WTM 2008
Nov. 10-13, 2008
1,50,000/-*
Aug. 15, 2008
18
rkhanal@ntb.org.np
7
CITM2008
Nov. 20-23, 2008
60,000/-
Aug. 22, 2008
5
rkhanal@ntb.org.np
All tourism companies registered with Government of Nepal are encouraged to apply and participate. Application form for participation is available with Nepal Tourism Board. (The forms can be received on e-mail or downloaded from our website)
Duly filled up forms should be submitted to Accounts Unit, Corporate Services Department, NTB, along with full participation fees before the deadline. Participation shall be allowed on first come - first served basis.
* Rs 1,50,000 is for individual table. Cost for staying in common area will be Rs 69,000 (max. four first time participating companies and other conditions apply)
Note: Travel, hotel and visa arrangements will have to be made by the participants themselves.

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Fewer visitors entered Nepal in September

Fewer visitors entered Nepal in September

Number of visitors coming to Nepal by air in September 2006 fell down by 7.4% reaching a total of 25,484, compared to the same month last year. The decline was observed in both market segments, Indian (-17.4%) and non-Indian (-2.6%). This was stated in the figures released by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation quoting Immigration Office Tribhuvan International Airport.
In terms of various originating markets, visitors coming from SAARC and Asia suffered losses during the month as arrivals from Bangladesh plummeted by 54.5% while Chinese arrivals went down by 13.8%. Except South Korea, which went up by 48.1%, rest of the Asian markets declined, viz., Japan (-0.6%), Malaysia (-11.5%), Singapore (-44.3%), Taiwan (-53%) and Thailand (45.6%).
Arrivals from the European generating markets showed marginal loss of 2.8%. The major contributors French, German and Spanish markets remained positive with gains of 4.3%, 2.2% and 19.5% respectively. The other major contributor from Europe, UK, however declined by 14.5% along with Italy (-9.9%) and the Netherlands (-5.5%).
The Australian arrivals on the other hand went up by 38.9% while the US market continued to perform positively showing an increase of 22.6%.
September 2006 marked a mixed performance in terms of arrival numbers to Nepal. Interestingly the long haul markets have gained substantially like US, Australia and Spain while the neighboring regional markets have registered negative growth. The mark up in long-haul segment is a clear indication of returning consumer confidence towards the destination. This is certainly contributed by the improvement of security and safety image of the country as well as absence of negative stories about Nepal. And despite the apparent fall in numbers hotels and airlines have reported high occupancy for the services and tourism attractions within Nepal have observed an influx of tourist after a long spell.

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Presidential run-off begins with Dr Yadav in a stronger position

Presidential run-off begins with Dr Yadav in a stronger position
First time in Country the run-off election for president has started from 8 am, Monday morning, to elect the first president of the republic Nepal.
Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, general secretary of Nepali Congress (NC), who has been supported by Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), appears in a stronger position compared with his rival Maoist-nominee Ram Raja Prasad Singh.
As per the latest alliance mark-sheet by Kantipur daily, Dr.Yadav has been promised of support from CPN-ML (9 members), CPN-United (5), RPP (8), RJP (3), Rastriya Jana Morcha (4), Jana Morcha (1), NSP-Anandidevi (1), Chure Bhawar (1), Loktantrik Samajbadi Dal (1) and Independent (2). These support are in addition to NC (113), UML (108) and MJF (52) members. This puts the total number of pledged support to 308 – which is more than enough for Dr. Yadav to be elected.
On Monday morning, the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) also decided to throw its weight of 5 members in favour of Dr. Yadav. This takes the number of his supporters to 313.
A candidate needs to bag at least 298 to win the election with comfortable majority. There are 594 voters – the existing Constituent Assembly (CA) members.
In the first phase of the presidential election on Saturday, Dr. Yadav had garnered 283 votes against 270 by Singh. Since neither could bag comfortable majority, the run-off polls are being held on Monday.

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Nepal's tourism promotion programme in Germany

Nepal's tourism promotion programme in Germany
As part of the ongoing annual activities of the Embassy of Nepal in Germany in connection to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Nepal and Germany, the Embassy in cooperation with the Honorary Consulate of Nepal in Frankfurt, organised an interactive luncheon programme on the theme of Nepal's tourism potentials in the light of political and security transformation in Nepal at the Frankfurt Press Club in Frankfurt on 9th of July 2008. About forty travel/tour operators, travel writers, Airlines representatives and journalists were present during the occasion. Ambassador of Nepal to Germany Dr. Madan Kumar Bhattarai welcomed the participants and dwelt on extremely cordial and excellent relations so happily existing between Nepal and Germany.
The Ambassador emphasized that tourism was one of the most promising areas for further strengthening bilateral co-operation between Nepal and Germany. German trekkers, mountaineers and other kinds of tourists visit Nepal and have been instrumental in promoting the country through repeated visits and propagation of Nepal as a safe, durable and unique destination, Ambassador Bhattarai added. He further said that the Nepal Tourism Board had launched a new brand, 'Naturally Nepal: Once is not Enough' to invite both new and old travellers to Nepal. He invited the journalists and travel writers to personally visit Nepal and make their own judgment on the peaceful and exclusive natural paradise as Nepal is justly known throughout the world.
The Ambassador informed the participants that the Nepal Tourism Board has launched 'Send Home a Friend' programme taking into account the presence of a significant number of Nepalese people in various parts of the world to further enhance the growth of international tourism of Nepal.
Speaking on the occasion, Honorary Consul of Nepal for Frankfurt and President of German-Asian Business Circle Mr. Bodo Krueger spoke on the tourism potentials of Nepal and requested German travel and tour operators to cooperate for the promotion of tourism between Nepal and Germany.
On the occasion, power point presentation highlighting the tourism potentials of Nepal as prepared by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) was shown. The Honorary Consulate also showed a film on Nepal that was prepared by a team of German journalists that was in Nepal in November 2007 to highlight the tourism potentials of Nepal as a unique and safe destination. The film covered the places of scenic, historical, archaeological and cultural interest of Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Tansen and Lumbini.
The Ambassador and the Honorary Consul answered various queries from the participants regarding the security and political situation in Nepal, necessity of diversification of Nepalese tourism products, need to focus more on cultural richness of Nepal rather than merely depending on nature-related promotion, direct air connectivity.

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Tourist Visa Extension

Tourist Visa Extension

Tourist Visa Rules in Nepal ( Effective from 16 July 2008 )
Tourists who visit Nepal must hold valid passport and visa.Entry Tourist entry visa can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following immigration offices in Nepal: >>Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu>>Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)>>Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)>>Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)>>Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)>>Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)>>Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)>>Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal) b. Tourist Visa
Visa Facility
Duration
Fee
Multiple entry
15 days
US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry
30 days
US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry
90 days
US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currencyTourist Visa Extension>>Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day>>Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).Gratis (Free) VisaGratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries.Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal. Transit VisaTransit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent convertible currency. For further information, please contact:Department of Immigration Maitighar, Impact Building, KathmandTel:00977-1-4221996 / 4223590 / 4222453 web site: www.immi.gov.np

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Australia a focus for the future of Nepalese tourism

Australia a focus for the future of Nepalese tourism

The first week of July saw the beginning of Nepal Tourism Board's Sales Mission to East Coast Australia. In recognition of the importance of tourism to Nepal's economy the Nepal Tourism Board has undertaken a series of international sales missions to various countries identified as either key or emerging markets for Nepal.. Australia generating approximately 10,000 visitors per annum has been identified as having potential for market expansion. Travel from Australia to Nepal has been steadily growing over the last few years, with astounding 42% in 2007, and by broadening the product offering in the market, Nepal is confident of sustained growth.
In support of this belief, was recent tourism market research which indicated that Australian travellers are seeking new experiences and new destinations when they travel One of their key requirements is that the destination is real and the travel experience authentic. The main segments of outbound travellers from Australia are Backpacker/Youth and "Baby Boomers. Travel and enjoyment of life is a key motivation for this sector. To attract these segments the sales mission was an endeavour to explain the Australian agents just what Nepal has to offer their clients.

Famous for its iconic Mt. Everest and the Himalayas, the sales mission stressed that Nepal is more than that and has a plethora of experiences for the visitor:· Chitwan National Park· Birthplace of Budha - more than a 1000 monasteries· The Snow Leopard· The legendary Gurkha warriors.

The culture, history, wildlife and golfing were all highlighted as activities appealing to Australians. The lucrative (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition) MICE market was also promoted where, in an endeavour to source new and exciting MICE experiences to a jaded corporate community, agents should consider Nepal.

The Sales Mission ran over one week 30th June - 4th July commencing in Melbourne where some 75 agents and media attended the workshop to meet with the participating Nepalese operators who represented Nepal's private sector. The participants were:Mr. Ravi Chandra Hamal - AmaDablam AdventuresMr. Shree Man Singh- Insight Nepal Tours & TravelMr. Gyalgin Sherpa - South Asian HolidaysThe evening was opened by the newly appointed Nepalese Ambassador to Australia Mr. Yogendra Dhakal who welcomed attendees and stressed the value of tourism to Nepal. This welcome was followed by an address by the Tourism Secretary of Nepal, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, presenting an overview of the government's vision for tourism in the future. Mr. Aditya Baral, Director of Nepal Tourism Board ( now on deputation as Advisor- Foreign Relations to the Prime Minister), reassured the attendees of the commitment to safety and security for the valued tourist from Australia.

In Sydney the Sales Mission attracted in excess of 140 people wanting to learn about Nepal and the week concluded in Brisbane with 45 agents attending a breakfast workshop where the Mr Michael Wille from Nepal Consulate in Brisbane offered his assistance to the industry in helping to secure group business for Nepal through providing talks on Nepal, advice and information on the destination. This was particularly relevant as several of the agents attending were specifically at the breakfast because they had travellers for 2009.

At each Workshop there were two lucky draws, the first an 8 day trip for two to Nepal and the second a gift voucher of $200 from the Kathmandu store. The Winners of the 8 day trip to Nepal were:Melbourne Nathan Ward - Agent Sales Peregrine & Gecko's AdventuresSydney Beth Farrugia, Special Groups Consultant, Wendy Wu ToursBrisbane Guy Clothier,Travel Consultant, Student Flights.

As an inaugural event, all participating felt that it was time and effort well spent. The receipt of emailed thanks from various agents who attended the Workshops also attested to the value they perceived they gained from hearing about Nepal. It is hoped that these tourism initiatives will be an annual event.

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Visitors Arrival in June 2008 (by air only)

Visitors Arrival in June 2008 (by air only)
July 2, 2008

Marginal decrease in tourist arrivals in JuneThe arrival figures released by Immigration Office, TIA shows that visitor arrivals to Nepal increased by 6 % with total 177163 visitors till June 2008. However, the arrival figure in June has been decreased by 7% to 21900. In the European market, Netherlands and Denmark recorded a strong increase by 20% and 35 % respectively.
Among the major tourist generating markets UK and France registered a growth of 2% and 8% whereas USA and Spain had a negative growth of 7% each and Germany 31%. Indian market recorded a negative growth of 8%, nevertheless this market alone contributed 52 % in the total arrivals for this month. Overall, the Asian market registered a commendable upsurge in arrivals with a notable rise of 64% from Bangladesh, 73 % from Pakistan, 46% from Sri Lanka and 42 % from Singapore.

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Nepal's Sales Mission to the US completed successfully

Nepal's Sales Mission to the US completed successfully
June 29, 2008

As Nepal has recently ushered into one of the most important political changes in its recent history, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) the national tourism organization of the country organized a Sales Mission in the key cities of the United States of America from June 20 to 27, 2008.
After the successful completion of the Constitutional Assembly elections and declaration of Nepal as a Republic, the Nepalese delegation met and interacted with the US media, travel agencies and tour operators in the key outbound cities of Los Angeles (June 20), San Francisco (June 23), Denver (June 24), Washington DC (June 26) and New York city (June 27) during the Sales Mission programs.
The Nepalese delegation comprising of five private sector tourism companies was led by the Chief Executive Officer of NTB Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha and supported by the Nepal Embassy in Washington DC and the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York.
CEO of NTB Mr. Prachanda Man Shrestha informed the US media and trade that with Nepal being declared the youngest republic, the Nepalese travel trade industry was ready to take up the challenge to institutionalize the new system. Saying that tourism in Nepal was not a choice but a compulsion, Mr. Shrestha explained the vital role that the tourism industry played in the socio-economic sector of the country.
Explaining the segmentation of the "Naturally Nepal – Once is not Enough" brand under Weekend Breaks, Experience of a Lifetime and Amazing Adventures, Mr. Shrestha elaborated the unmatchable tourism products, attractions and the services that Nepal has to offer to the visitors from the US. As arrivals from the US had already shown upward trend, he was confident that the Sales Mission would help in disseminating the positive information on Nepal and further boosting tourist arrivals in the days ahead.
Speaking at the programs in Washington DC and New York respectively, Excellencies Dr. Suresh Raj Chalise, Ambassador of Nepal to US and Mr. Madhu Raman Acharya Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations stressed that since safely and security were no longer any issues, the Nepali tourism industry was all geared up to welcome the visitors from the US. They emphasized on the key role of tourism in the new Republic and the importance that the Government had given to the tourism industry. They assured all present that the Embassy and the Permanent Mission would extend all possible cooperation to the outbound operators and media in the US as well as cooperate fully with NTB in destination promotion.
NTB under its brand "Naturally Nepal – Once is not Enough" has been focusing in the US market with various once in a life time adventure packages. The drive of the new tourism brand is reinventing Nepal's natural and cultural diversity while stressing on sustainability and environmental tourism efforts. The Nepal brand focuses on sharing the warm Nepalese hospitality, friendly culture and rich history.
This year till May 2008, the total tourist arrival has shown an increase of 8% as compared to the same period in 2007. The increase in the US arrival is a robust 25% compared to the same period in 2007.
The five private sector companies taking part in the Sales Mission were: Cho-Oyu Trekking, Royal Mt. Trekking, Shangrila Tours, Sherpa Brother Treks & Expeditions and Yeti Travels

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