Two minor blasts in Pokhara
Two minor blasts in Pokhara, six persons were injured in two minor blasts that took place in Sabhagriha Chowk, Pokhara in the evening of August 6, 2008, reports Pokhara Office of Nepal Tourism Board.
This place is far from Lakeside and Damsite- two prominent tourist district of Pokhara and, tourists don't frequent to this place for any kind of activities.
All injured persons are local residents of Pokhara. Security has been tight in the area and Pokhara is as safe to travel as before and daily life has not been affected by it, says the government officials in Pokhara. Pokhara Office of Nepal Tourism Board is trying to get more information about it and will update you as soon as we get it.
For further information, you may contact:Ms. Shraddha Shrestha,Incharge, Pokhara Office, Nepal Tourism Boardat pntb@wlink.com.np, or at telephone number: 977-61-535292.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Visitor Arrivals in July 2008 (by air only)
Visitor Arrivals in July 2008 (by air only)
The arrival figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport shows that visitor arrivals to Nepal increased by 3% with total 198,366 visitors till July 2008 in comparison to the same period last year. However, the arrival figures of July, 2008 compared to the same month last year has decreased by 19% to 21,203.
Asian countries Singapore and Malaysia maintained the positive trend with 13% growth in the each market. The other countries with positive growth are Pakistan (53%) and Sri Lanka (18%).
India, which is the largest tourist generating market, registered a decline of 24%. Similarly other major markets such as USA, Japan, and UK also witnessed decrease by 15%, 12% and 2% respectively. Furthermore, China, South Korea, and Thailand also recorded negative growth.
European arrivals also suffered a significant decline in the visitor arrivals from major generating markets such as Italy (44 %), France (32%), Germany (39%) and Spain (25%). Only Austria (35%) and Norway (66%) maintained the incremental trend in the arrival figures.
The arrival figures released by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport shows that visitor arrivals to Nepal increased by 3% with total 198,366 visitors till July 2008 in comparison to the same period last year. However, the arrival figures of July, 2008 compared to the same month last year has decreased by 19% to 21,203.
Asian countries Singapore and Malaysia maintained the positive trend with 13% growth in the each market. The other countries with positive growth are Pakistan (53%) and Sri Lanka (18%).
India, which is the largest tourist generating market, registered a decline of 24%. Similarly other major markets such as USA, Japan, and UK also witnessed decrease by 15%, 12% and 2% respectively. Furthermore, China, South Korea, and Thailand also recorded negative growth.
European arrivals also suffered a significant decline in the visitor arrivals from major generating markets such as Italy (44 %), France (32%), Germany (39%) and Spain (25%). Only Austria (35%) and Norway (66%) maintained the incremental trend in the arrival figures.
Friday, August 1, 2008
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
(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
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.
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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