Sustainability is the new catchword for Sunday speeches even if held on a Thursday. But since Rio 1992, sustainability has become a central issue, in particular for development work. This holds true also for the Austrian projects in Nepal carried out by Eco Himal. All of them are based on an integrated approach towards the ecological, economic, social and cultural factors in order to create better living conditions for the people of the Himalayas on a long-term basis.

Some examples:

• The small hydropower plant in the Mount Everest region reduced the workload of women and firewood consumption. Electricity encouraged the Sherpas to start small enterprises which in turn resulted in the creation of numerous jobs.
  
  
• The agricultural project in the Makalu-Barun National Park is an attempt to develop a new economic basis together with the local farmers. Local products are grown and processed by cooperatives, traditional agriculture is modernized, the biodiversity of forests can be protected.
  
  
• Ecologically sound tourism can create additional sources of income in the border region to Tibet. The village communities operate small lodges and camp grounds, the income benefits all residents. Women are trained for qualified tourism-related jobs.
  
  
• Within the World Cultural Heritage Site of Kathmandu, restoring old palaces and parks saves the unique architecture from vanishing. Adapting them for public use as museums or restaurants provides a basis for their long-term viability.

  Intensive cooperation with the village communities, the empowerment of women and comprehensive educational programs should enable the local people to take the development of their village, region or country into their own hands.

Sustainability in Mountain Tourism (pdf)