NATIONAL 9 (Spotlight Weelky)]

"Tourism Has Grown At The Cost Of The Environment"

— TOSUOMU MIYAZAKI

Tosuomu Miyazaki, a revered name among mountain climbers, is a prominent figure of the Himalayan Association of Japan. Miyazaki, 52, who is involved in the tourism trade, owns a ski-resort in Japan. He has visited Nepal more than 30 times, spending almost 16 years climbing the countryís mountains. SPOTLIGHT spoke to Miyazaki recently. Excerpts:

You have been in and out of Nepal for a long time. What changes have you observed? Is Nepal going in the right direction?

The population has boomed and the structure of the country has changed. Although better and cleaner lodges have been built around the country, it is a pity to see that this has been achieved at the cost of massive deforestation.

Tell us your most memorable moment in Nepal.

I came to Nepal when the first traffic light was installed. People were so confused.

What attracted you to Nepal in your first visit?

I came to Nepal because I always wanted to climb peaks above 8,000 meters. The people of Nepal are so polite. The Himalayas mesmerized me when I saw them for the first time -- I knew this was my place. Nepalís mountains are much more beautiful than those of neighboring countries.

Being in the tourism business yourself, how do you think Nepal is catching up in this field? How do you see the current measures the Nepalese government and organizations are taking to promote sustainable tourism?

It was better in the 1970-80s when the government allowed climbing permits for one group at a time. Today there are 30 groups waiting at the Everest base camp. Only one face of a mountain was opened for one group at a time. And the ecological damage done then was less severe. What Nepal lacks is professional planning. It should introduce steps to produce such planners for the future. I believe Nepal has a very bright future in tourism.

How do you view the skills of Sherpas?

It is good to see that the Sherpas have increased their mountain-climbing skills. Earlier, they used to be used by foreign climbers as porters. But now since they have the necessary equipment, I feel that they can do better than foreign climbers. But that doesn't mean that they are the best climbers in the world. But they are regarded as the kings of the Himalayas.

Your views on the cultural and ecological damage caused by mishandling of the national parks?

The main cause of the destruction of the environment is the incapability of the

government. It's good to see various agencies taking measures to create public awareness to combat environment problems.

What was your most challenging moment in Nepal?

I lost a few team members in various expeditions. (Yamada Noboru, who was ranked as the third best climber in the world, was one of Miyazakiís friends. Noboru scaled eight out of 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. Miyazaki was the team leader when they scaled Dhaulagiri in 1978. After returning from the summit Noboru died in an avalanche. Four members of the team died in Dhaulagiri and two members of Miyakazi's team lost their lives while scaling Everest) But it is good to come here on a family trek.

What changes do you think are necessary?

The government should provide fuel for the lodges so that this massive deforestation will stop. Fuel could be supplied from Lukla and Jomsom and other places.