On a recent expedition to Bolivia, I was lucky enough to be able to climb Hyuana Potosi, 6088m in the Cordillera Real of the Andes. This was the most incredible experience of my life and I will never forget it; however, this was only made possible by hiring a guide, as much of the ascent required ice climbing and being roped in a group. As all other western tourists do, we booked our expedition through a company who hire guides to take people up into the mountains. We chose a reputable company who treated their guides with respect and obviously cared and provided adequately for them. However, in many places around the world this is just not the case.

The International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) was formed in order to help ensure fair and safe working conditions for mountain porters and sherpas working in the mountains for the trekking industry worldwide; and Nepal specifically. Every year, trekking porters die unnecessarily in the mountains mainly from altitude illness and hypothermia.They may also be affected by frostbite, accidents or injuries that may render them unable to work. Porters and sherpas make up almost half of the deaths in the Himalaya region from climbing and trekking expeditions. However, with limited qualifications and job prospects, this is often the only choice for many.

Imagine carrying a heavy load up and down the mountains, all day long, day after day in all sorts of weather; sometimes only equipped with flip-flops for footwear and a plastic bag as protection from the rain. Porters sometimes have to use caves to shelter and sleep in damp clothes.

IPPG’s aim is for every porter to have: access to adequate clothing, boots, shelter and food; medical care when ill or injured; and insurance. These aims are achieved by lobbying, education, monitoring and direct action through support of clothing banks, the construction of shelters and medical rescue posts. IPPG also supports porters in their quest for a decent wage and freedom from overloading. IPPG is run entirely by volunteers and all monies raised are spent directly on our various porter projects.

IPPG website: http://www.ippg.net