KATHMANDU: The French Embassy and the Alliance Française hosted a special screening of the documentary “Annapurna, History of a Conquest” by director Bernard George on Wednesday. The event was followed by a panel discussion titled “Mountain Matters: Sustaining the Spirit of Mountains”, conducted in Nepali.

Moderated by journalist Sama Thapa, the panel featured Jérôme Édou, founder of Base Camp Trek and Tibetologist; Kalpana Maharjan, mountaineer and journalist; Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, Chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality; and Tul Singh Gurung, President of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA).

During the discussion, panelists called for government action to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy to protect glaciers and mountain ecosystems. They also emphasized the need for enforcing laws against pollution and illegal encroachment in mountain areas, and highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about mountain ecosystems.

The panel further advocated for responsible climbing practices to minimize environmental impact and stressed the need to empower local communities. Promoting eco-friendly tourism and agriculture, along with designating mountain regions as protected areas, were also among the key recommendations.

The event was part of ongoing celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.