International Porter Protection Group (IPPG)

Myself (Jamie McGuinness), Joel Schone and Kim Bannister strongly identify with the IPPG and Porters Progress cause and we follow all their policies (below) and more for all of our treks lead by us.

Additionally on our wild treks/climbs we don't to take porters on the extreme sections of our treks/climbs, instead we take sherpas who are used to tough conditions, top up their gear and they stay in the same tents as us, basically as equals. For these sections of the treks/climbs the members have to carry their own gear while the sherpas shoulder the rest of the gear.

Our record: one of our porters nearly got frostbite but didn't have any permanent damage when we nearly died on the Tashi Labtsa pass, (a long story) otherwise we have never had a porter incident. And never will.

IPPG's mission statement:

"IPPG's aim is to improve health and safety for the trekking porter at work in the mountains and reduce the incidence of avoidable illness injury and death. This is done by raising awareness of the issue among trekking and travel companies, leaders, sirdars, and trekkers."

Preventing illness and accidents in porters

The higher and the more remote your trek, the better equipment and shelter you will have to provide. IPPG recommends the following guidelines:

+ That adequate clothing be available for protection in bad weather and at altitude. This should include adequate footwear, hat, gloves, windproof jacket and trousers, sunglasses, and access to a blanket and pad above the snowline.

+ That leaders and trekkers provide the same standard of medical care for porters, as they would expect for themselves.

+ That porters not be paid off because of illness without the leader or trekkers being informed.

+ That sick porters never be sent down alone, but with someone who speaks their language and understands the problem.

+ That sufficient funds be provided to sick porters to cover the cost of their land rescue and treatment.

+ If you are going to a remote area, select strong and experienced porters!

Nepali law states that all trekking porters should have provision for security, personal protective equipment including shoes, clothes, etc., depending on the weather, and that the management (whoever employs them) is responsible for rescue of these persons when required.

Jamie McGuinness, Joel Schone and Kim Bannister of Project Himalaya trips pledge that we will faithfully follow the letter and the spirit of these guidelines.

Please have a look at the IPPG site - www.ippg.net and/or email them at info@ippg.net