The Greater Good.
People assume that concern for the environment and human rights is a 
new concept, but the Buddha developed similar principles over 2500 
years ago. Environmentalism is about considering the greater good. 
When we talk about democracy or human rights, we refer to the welfare 
of everybody. This is compassion in practice. In all religions 
compassion and caring for others is important. Buddhism teaches that 
the more you work for the welfare of others, the greater your own 
personal happiness.

Power to Change.
Humanity is the only species with the power to destroy the earth as 
we know it. Yet, just as we have the power to destroy it, so do we 
have the capacity to protect it. The same is true on a local level. 
Nepal's economy, and that of Khumbu, is dependent on foreign visitors 
who are in a position to ruin it or help conserve it. It depends on 
you. Please come, but be aware your visit will have an impact on the 
environment.

Making Choices.
Tourism is one of Nepal's main sources of income. Since there are few 
alternatives for development, it is vital that its tourism resources 
are not over-exploited. Unfortunately, a lot of the money generated 
by tourism remains in the pockets of foreign or Kathmandu based 
trekking companies. However, the local people are asked to choose 
between their own short-term well being and long term environmental 
needs.

Food for Thought.
Please ask yourself why you are here. Why have you spent so much 
time, money and effort to come to such a remote and poor place as 
Tengboche? People rarely do anything without the hope of gaining 
something: what do you expect to get out of your trip here? What will 
you give in return?

You can help! Use your power as a consumer to ensure businesses 
behave in a responsible manner. Ask your trekking company to help 
too. Donate to local projects while you are here. Every little bit 
helps.

'Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are 
beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that 
wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations 
are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but 
as fountains of life.'
--John Muir, Naturalist, written in 1875

Unidentified Nepalese flower. Courtesy of Eric Bolz.

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