International Year of Mountains

Media Release 25/1/2002
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS – let’s celebrate the peaks

As well as the International Year of Ecotourism, it’s the International Year of Mountains (IYM). The aim of IYM is to ensure the well being of mountain and lowland communities by promoting the conservation and sustainable development of mountain regions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the lead agency for IYM is working closely with the UN and other organizations to focus on reaching the goals of sustainable mountain development.

For both impoverished mountain communities and large international companies, mountain forests often mean money and the harvesting of timber. The biodiversity found in mountain forests is a treasure worth preserving, not just for its commercial potential; each species plays a specific role in maintaining a vibrant and stable ecosystem.

Many mountain communities are discovering the tremendous opportunity for economic growth by preserving their forests in order to attract tourists. However, the economic opportunities that have emerged from tourism must not overshadow the fact that, for many cultures, mountains and mountain forests are sacred places with incalculable
spiritual value. As mountain societies become less isolated from outside influences, the interaction between people from different cultures will play a large part in determining how mountain forests are used. For more information see: http://www.mountains2002.org/

This week Australian travel company Intrepid launched a super special on their Small Group Adventure trips to Nepal – 25% off all small group adventure departures prior to 30th May 2002. A perfect opportunity – in year 2002 the International Year of the Mountain – to get out and really experience the top of the world…. responsibly.

Darrell Wade, co-founder and director of Intrepid, has recently returned from a holiday in Nepal. He says “It had been years since my previous visit, and while the towns had changed to real cities – once out in the country it was just the same – sheer magic! Just an amazing combination of stunning scenery, smiling faces and incredible things to do. With the current downturn in business to Nepal, and the subsequent very special prices – there has never been a better time to make the trip. Never! There are fewer travellers and it will never be this cheap again!”

PS. To allow more lead-in time to prepare for a trip, Intrepid have extended their Nepal season this year, with plenty of NEW departures now scheduled for April 2002. All dates are published on Intrepid’s website.

For more information:
Visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/destination.lasso?theCode=N or
call 1300 360 667
END

ROBYN NIXON
Australasian Sales & Marketing Manager
Intrepid Travel P/L
PO Box 2781
Fitzroy DC 3065 Australia
Direct Phone: +61 3 94732604
Fax: +61 3 94194426
Mobile: +61 409 473 266

mailto:[email protected]
Website:www.intrepidtravel.com

PS. You can save time and money – get a trip dossier, check
availability and even book your clients trip at
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/industry.html The most agent friendly website in town!