Commercial Helicopter in Khumbu

On December 10th, 2024, I attended a meeting called by Sagarmatha National Park as the chairperson of the Namche Youth Group and a representative of the local development committee. The agenda? Addressing the noise pollution and threats to wildlife caused by unnecessary helicopter flights within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The chief warden passionately emphasized the risks to the park’s animals and ecosystem, proposing a complete ban on commercial helicopter flights. As someone who values the preservation of our National Park, I supported the initiative wholeheartedly. So did the majority of the Youth Group and local representatives.

Following our collective agreement, the National Park sent out an official letter to all helicopter companies:effective January 1st ,2025, more more commercial helicopter flights. It felt like a winter conservation!

Fast forward two weeks. Yesterday, the same National Park announced via press release that they’re now ready to accept helicopter flights again. Just like that.

So, here I am , wondering: Did we save the wildlife, or did the wildlife suddenly decide they love helicopter? Conservation commitments seem to have the lifespan of a press release these days.

But hey, at least I can say i showed up for the park’s welfare- while it lasted.