TRC: Neuigkeiten - endgültige Regelung

[Andreas]

Hallo,

Ich habe gerade von 'unserem Mann in Kathmandu' ( -pfeil- auf seinen ausdrücklichen Wunsch bitte nicht darüber spekulieren, wer es sein könnte) die neuesten Informationen zum TRC (Trekking Registration Certificat) erhalten:

<Zitat>
Die konkreten Bestimmungen lassen die folgenden Schlussfolgerungen zu:

Alle müssen das TRC über eine Agentur erhalten. Die Agenturen müssen verantworlich für die Ausstellung der Permits sein, d.h. wenn sie einen Guide / Träger vermitteln, so müssen sie dies ins TRC eintragen. Es ist mir nicht gelungen, klar herauszufinden ob dies nun bedeutet, das man nur den TRC allein kaufen kann - ohne Porter und Guide, dürfte aber gehen, wenn man Punkt 2 betrachtet.
Man darf künftig nicht mehr mit selbst angestellten Guides (Freelancern) und Trägern unterwegs sein (wie es viele hier im Forum gemacht haben und es auch heuer im Herbst wieder vorhaben), wenn diese nicht über eine Agentur engagiert worden sind!
Wer unterwegs mit Trägern und Guides angetroffen wird, die nicht als Begleitpersonal für den Trek über eine Agentur angestellt worden sind, wird zurückgeschickt!
Die Gebühren des TRC werden für die Kostendeckung der einzurichtenden Kontrollstellen und der Personalkosten der TRC-Offices verwendet. Wenn ich richtig verstanden habe, so kannst man als Individualtourist den TRC nicht direkt bei der TAAN kaufen, sondern nur über eine akkreditierte Agentur.
Begleitendes Personal (Guide, Träger etc.) müssen ein "Identification Certificate" von der Agentur haben, die für den Touristen die Tour organisiert hat.Also doch eher mehr als man befürchtet.

Man hat mir gesagt, man will "illegale" Aktivitäten der Hotels, Guides, NGO's und ausländischer Tourguides damit unterbinden.

Sieht also nicht so super angenehm aus.

Ich zitiere aus den Mail des TAAN Presidenten:
Thank you for your interest in the issue related to Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC). You may be aware of the fact that the Nepal Government has introduced the provision of TRC as a mechanism to check illegal operations in the trekking business and ensure safety and security of trekkers. TAAN has been entrusted with the responsibility as an implementing agency of TRC. The Government of Nepal has auhtorised TAAN to issue iTRC, as the association is the umbrella organisation of over 550 registered trekking companies of Nepal.
So far as your query related to the provision of TRC for individual trekkers is concerned, they will have to go on trekking only through the registered companies.</Zitat>

Grüße,
Andreas

PS: es geht gleich weiter im nächsten Posting!

[Andreas]

Hier folgt die offizielle Presseaussendung des TAAN zum Thema:
Einen herzlichen Dank an Navyo für die Zusendung dieser Aussendung an mich:

Nepal Government assigns TAAN to implement
Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC)


Registration Required for trekkers

With a view to checking illegal operations in the trekking business and ensuring safety and security of trekkers, the Nepal Government has introduced a new rule that requires all trekkers to go on trekking in various parts of the country only through registered trekking agencies after having a Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). As an umbrella organization of more than 550 registered trekking companies of Nepal, TAAN has been authorized by the Nepal Government to issue TRC and the new rule is scheduled to come into force from October 1, 2006. TAAN will charge a minimum amount of money as administrative and service fee for issuing TRC. As a record of trekkers, TRC incorporates their personal details, trekking routes, duration, etc. The provision is introduced in order to upgrade the service standard and for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal. Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other punishments in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government.

Importance and Necessity of TRC

It is very important to have a kind of monitoring and facilitating system in place for any sort of outdoor activity that involves physical risk. Trekking is a major outdoor activity in Nepal's mountain tourism. Given the rugged physical condition and remoteness of almost all trekking areas of Nepal's Himalayan mountain region, a record system is very essential that would be helpful in monitoring the safety and security of trekkers. The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The Nepal Government is very serious about implementing TRC as a mechanism to control all sorts of anomaly, including illegal operations, and ensure safety and security of trekkers. Therefore, TAAN, as a national tourism organization working in the field of sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal, has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing TRC. As per TAAN’s proposed hassle-free procedure, TRC is being issued to each and every trekker traveling only through the registered trekking agencies.


The decision regarding the introduction of TRC is a welcome step taken in its policies and programmes by the Nepal Government. So, TAAN is in the process of developing a well-managed and efficient system with nominal service charge of Nepali rupees 250 (equivalent US$ 3.5 only) to implement TRC in the open trekking areas of Nepal. TRC is going to be issued from convenient locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara.



TRC Issuing System
The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TRC:

1. All important details of trekkers and trekking routes will be maintained on a computerized record system that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers and field-staff.

2. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders -- tourism organizations, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institutes, etc.

3. Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned - trekkers, agencies, field - staff, government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.

4. TAAN will be able to work more in its effort of preservation of natural and cultural environment in cooperation with local communities. This, in turn, will enable to promote sustainable tourism.

5. The issue of TRC will be so simplified that it would be prompt and inexpensive. The convenient TRC counter in Kathmandu will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year. Pokhara counter will be opened for 9 hours a day. The TRC counters will be located close to the counters of the National Parks and Conservation Areas.

6. TAAN’s Media Centre will have updated information about the conditions of trails and other relevant insights into the trekking areas. The same information also will be updated frequently in the TAAN's web page. Some of the check posts along the trekking routes will be equipped with telephone services by TAAN.

Appeal

All the concerned government agencies have been requested to provide required cooperation to TAAN in TRC implementation and monitoring process. While developing the TRC issuance mechanism, TAAN has made it sure that a well organized efficient system is developed. Any inconvenience that may arise due to implementation of this new rule is regretted.

TAAN also asks all concerned stakeholders to help disseminate the information to potential trekkers to Nepal and other related offices and agencies.

Thank you for your kind support and cooperation.

For further information, please contact at TAAN Media Centre
P.O. Box: 3612 Ganeshthan, Maligaon, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-442773, 977-1-4440920, 977-1-4440921, Fax: 977-1-4419245
Email:taan@wlink.com.np/ (http://trekkingforum.com/forum/) Url: www.taan.org.np (http://www.taan.org.np)

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Grüße,
Andreas

[Harp Booth]

Hallo zusammen,

heisst das nun, das ich ohne Organisation meiner Reise durch ein Argentur nicht mehr auf eigene Faust losziehen kann, auch wenn ich gar keinen Führer oder Träger möchte?

Oder kann man sich auch das TRC bei einer Argentur besorgen und dort die eigenen Reisedaten hinterlegen?

Kann hierzu schon jemand was sagen?

Danke und Gruss Harald

[Jens]

hmm gerade als Trekker der gerne seinen Rucksack trägt, würde diese auch gerne wissen. Wem dem nicht so wäre und man einen Träger verpflichten muss, wäre das schon eine erhebliche Einschränkung meiner Bewegungsfreiheit.
ich denke das dieses neue Gesetz nicht dem Wohl der lokalen Bevölkerung in den
Trekking Gebieten entspricht.

[distraction]

das hört sich ja nicht gut an ...

soll das heissen, dass man ab dem ersten oktober nicht mehr von seinem angegebenen weg abkommen darf? muß man den angegebenen weg von anfang bis ende laufen?

da ich momentan einen trek in nepal plane, noch nicht sicher bin welchen ich gehen werde, noch nicht sicher bin ob ich mich vielleicht wärend des treks umentscheide bezüglich meines weges, wäre es sehr interessant näheres zu erfahren.

weiss das dies eine neue verordnung ist, vielleicht bekommt ja jemand in der nächsten zeit etwas heraus.

besten dank
distraction

[Andreas]

Bezüglich der Frage, ob man nun individuell unterwegs sein darf (also mit NUR TRC von einer Agentur) oder ob man einen Guide (mit/ohne Träger) von einer Agentur mieten MUSS, ist man noch unschlüssig:

Hier das offizielle statement des NTB:

It has not been decided yet whether a trekker should go to trekking through registered trekking agency or not. Discussion is being held to decide it.

Es wird also noch ausdiskutiert. Ein wenig Druck kann nicht schaden. Lasst uns eine eMail-Petition und/oder eine online-Petition starten! Wenn ihr ein solches Vorhaben unterstützen würdet, würde ich morgen schnell mal etwas programmieren.

Andreas

[mieke]

Andreas & die anderen hier,
Ich habe nicht die Absicht Leute vom Trekkingforum zum Thorn Tree zu "ziehen". Möchte nur zeigen (und ich weiß das ich ihre Erlaubnis dafür habe, in Situationen so wie diese) was "stilltrekkin" zu diesem Problem am TT gepostet hat. Sie ist die ältere Frau aus Kanada die schon seit über 15 Jahre as "humanitarian volunteer" und als Trekkingguide in Nepal arbeitet. Als ich den "Newsletter" von Andrées vergangene Woche erhalten hatte, habe ich auch am TT deutlich gemacht daß nicht jedermann reizend über dieses Ding mit den Trekking Registration Certificate denkt...
Hier ist was sie schrieb.
Im allgemeinem möchte ich noch sagen daß ich viel Respekt habe für die Ideen und Informationen - über die Bevölkerung in Nepal - von dieser Frau die ich - über's "Web" - jetzt mehr als 4 Jahre kenne:

Meike, I was referring to a link that you gave in your post #429 to the thread "Nepal: the end of independent trekking as we know it". In that thread is a comment from "Newnepalispossible", Arjun Chatkuli, of Himalayan Humanity whom I believe posted some excellent thoughts in defense of ethical trekking companies and the TRC.

In my opinion, the TAAN press release quoted in your own Post #427 above, also deserves some thoughtful consideration before throwing a lot of "cold water" and negative comments on this initiative.
You have been one of the strongest critics re the action or inaction of all Government and non-government entities in Nepal (much of it well deserved) relative to searches for lost trekkers. This problem is not as easy to resolve in a country like Nepal as you and some others seem to think. To establish well staffed and more frequent check-posts and see that they are properly staffed, for example, would be a much more expensive undertaking. Finding a method to establish an accurate data base of who is trekking where in Nepal is one step in the right direction. Past experience indicates it is the independent trekkers who get in trouble and the most difficult to track their whereabouts - not the ones who are accompanied by experienced, knowlegable Nepali staff - so isn't the logical place to start attacking this problem at it's most common root?

Among trekking groups, the one exception to this was on Nov 10 1995 when a Japanese group and their Nepali staff, along with a number of villagers at Machermo, were caught in an avalanche caused by a freak snowstorm. People on an organized trek with Guide and/or Porters from a well managed trekking company have an itinerary - a copy of which is on file at the Trekking Company office. The Guides check in at fixed locations. Adjustments to the schedule are advised, if possible. Local weather conditions are assessed against the planned itinerary based on the Guide's knowledge of the route ahead. At the same time the Guide is also assessing the abilities and conditioning of the group members as the trek progresses and will recommend (insist, if necessary) adjustments to the pre-planned route. A Guide, who knows his job, is there not to just point the way from Point A to Point B - his greatest responsibilities lie in his ability to constantly weigh the objectives vs the group's abilities and make fair and balanced judgements to ensure their safety and the safety of his crew... that's what the members are paying for. To implement a plan to direct more business to Trekking Companies by requiring the trekkers to obtain their TRC from that source has some merit. Some may opt for a group package. Some may simply hire a Guide or a Porter or a Guide/Porter and pay their own expenses - but they will still be provided with a suggested itinerary, trek advice and information.

Still others may ultimately decide they want to do their own thing. It's still ultimately their decision but perhaps they won't set off into the mountains totally uninformed. Maybe some will be willing to pay a small service charge and have the Trekking Company obtain a Trek Registration Certificate (if possible) so that their intended route is registered on TAAN's data base and note is made of their intended return date. (This would be similar to North American National Park system when climbers and back-country hikers can register themselves OUT - and IN. This enables non-returnees can be investigated in a timely manner....if this isn't presently being considered in Nepal - it probably should be. Any climber or hiker using this system in Canada, I know, is obligated to notify authorities of their return. If they neglect doing so - there is a significant fine applicable.)

On the question of staff wages, an ethical company will pay and treat their staff fairly - but that company also deserves to be able to make a reasonable profit in order to continue in business, not at the expense of their staff, but precisely because they have good staff and offer good service. It's only possible to keep good staff by paying a fair wage and treating your staff well. The company profit margins are much, much smaller than any company in the developed world. You do yourself, the staff you may eventually hire, the Company who employs them, and the Industry as a whole, a great disservice when you try to knock the trek rates down to impossible levels. An ethical company will simply say "no" to an impossible price that would leave them in a loss position..... but there are some pretty desparate companies out there trying to stay afloat who will mistakenly accept low-ball offers in order (they think) to keep afloat and then try to cut corners to make the price work - they lose, the Guides and Porters lose and so does the client because a Company cannot provide good service and professional staff at prices that good old Uncle John paid 15 years ago when he was in Nepal. Nepal is still one of the best travel values available - but prices for food, fuel, insurance premiums, taxes, etc. keep increasing here, just like in your country.
The 250 rupee cost of the TRC is not going to increase your trek costs significantly, if at all, and is a small price to pay if it saves even one life by providing better information and, perhaps indirectly, higher industry standards.

Diese Antwort wurde von "stilltrekkin" gepost in einem langen TT-thread über Nepal, Sicherheit da, und so alles. Wenn ihr meint ihr braucht einen Link, dann sage es mir bitte. Auch am YetiZone board und sonstwo wird natürlich letztlich viel über das TRC diskutiert. Ich habe aber den Eindruck daß keiner genau weißt was passieren wird diese Herbst.

[SimonM]

Weiss jemand irgendwas bezüglich einem Kontrollsystem wenn das TRC mal eingeführt ist?
Ich bin am 1. Oktober schon hinter Namche (wollen ohne führer los) und hoffe dass es mir dann egal sein kann was eingeführt wird...

Grüße, Simon