The Community-based Himalayan Ecotourism Cooperative Society (HET), part of GHNP (Great Himalayan National Park), is a social enterprise which works under the cooperative model. The GHNP has been in operation since 2014.
The mission of the HET is to replenish the mutual relationship between rural communities and all other form of life in the Himalayan region. The GHNP holds the values of fairness, inclusiveness, transparency, respect and honesty, dear.
The HET is owned by 65 members who hail from the ecozone of the GHNP, the trekking staff of HET and The Reforestation Program team.
The Himalayan Ecotourism
The Himalayan Ecotourism is a syndicate of sustainability leaders and industry professionals. Whilst assuring protection and regeneration of the Himalayan ecosystem, the HET looks after the welfare of the local communities and regulates the cooperative sector and the women self-help groups.
The Women Self-Help Group
Through The Self-Help Groups, the women of the valley are responsible for designing and executing the reforestation program.
The Non-Profit and Donation
Himalayan Insight, the non-profit wing of the organisation operates for collective social benefit and the betterment of the community by using donations and CSR funds.The objectives of Himalayan Insight are met by initiating different projects.
Some such projects are:-
– Ecological restoration in the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park.
– Women empowerment to enhance their social and economic status.
– Child development considering tomorrow’s local and global challenges, especially those related to the environment.
Himalayan Ecotourism
For the economic development of the local community and for funding Himalayan Insight’s projects, the HET has converted tourism into economic opportunities. The organisation operates treks and travels in the western Himalayas which cover the Great Himalayan National Park, Spiti and Ladakh.
Himalayan Eco-Creation
Himalayan Eco-Creation, which is a small establishment run by women, helps them attain economic liberty.
The women from Thirthan valley produce and market hand-crafted local products.
Area of operation
The GHNP is the key functioning area of the society, which is located in the Banjaara subdivision of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. In the year 2014, GHNP was recognised as a World Heritage Natural Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
The area is close to and interconnected with other major tourist hubs in Himachal Pradesh, and covers Spiti, Kullu-Manali, Shimla and Dharmashala.
The office of the Himalayan Ecotourism is situated in Naglari bridge, Gushaini of Himachal Pradesh.
Team
The cooperative is driven by a diverse team, where passion meets efficiency and commitment.
As the head of HET, Stephan Merchal, the Managing Director and a specialist in eco-development provides strategic guidance and ensures that sustainable practices are amalgamated into the cooperative’s operations.
Keshav Thakur, the president of the co-operative, serves as a motivational speaker in the Pahadi language.
The managing partner of Trek and Travel, Gaurav Pawar, regulates adventures sports in the Himalayas, while Aashra Iype serves as the manager of Himalayan Insight.
While nourishing the strong relationship with the local communities, Lobzang and Tsering Dolkar serve as the local coordinators for Ladakh and Zanskar.
Tarachand as the secretary, Sanju Negi as the treasurer, and Tek Singh as a dedicated members, also serve this society. Hema Devi is incharge of customer care section, and addresses the clients’ needs.
While Jagita initiates ecotourism education program and conducts skill development and educational programs for the women in the region, Bhuma, being the president of the Self Help Group, supports women’s empowerment within the cooperative.
Diviya coordinates the education program, and Meena is engaged in the making of trekking equipment. Finally as the Social Coordinator, Tashi serves the community and looks after its social welbeing.
Vanishree B,
Institute for Study and Development of Cooperation, ‘Spandana’, Kodialbail, Mangalore-575003.
Content and photo credit : Official website of HET.