CAPACITY-BUILDING INITIATIVES
This forum illuminates rural projects investing in natural capital and community:
Haines Huts
Where: Haines, Alaska
Status: Ongoing / Pursuing Development
Amazing opportunity to develop a backcountry hut network in Southeast Alaska. A land lease for the first hut has already been secured with the AK DNR; construction is scheduled for summer ‘22. Fundraising is ongoing. Learn more and donate
Oregon Agricultural Trust (OAT)
Where: Rural Oregon
Status: Active / Pursuing Development
Recently established and impactful land trust committed to preserving agricultural and open landscape. Find more info here
Protecting the Gallatin Mountains
Where: Bozeman, Montana
Status: Ongoing / Active
The Gallatin Mountains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are under threat and warrant protection via permanent wilderness designation. Read more from Todd Wilkinson and the Mountain Journal
Sacred Sites Trail Project
Where: Solukhumbu Valley, Nepal
Status: Completed
The Sacred Sites Trail Project, sponsored by the Mountain Institute, was designed by local leaders in an attempt to alleviate tourist traffic from the Everest Region's most heavily trafficked trails, and instead disperse it in a more economic and efficient balance around the valley.
Khumbu Climbing Center
Where: Phortse Village, Solu Khumbu Region, Nepal
Status: Completed
The Khumbu Climbing Center was founded by advocates of the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation as an attempt to give back to the local Sherpa community of Nepal's fabled Khumbu region.
Celebrating 10 years since its conception, the Khumbu Climbing Center is looking to move into a new education center and community building which is currently construction.
The center is designed with the intent of providing releveant mountaineering technique and safety instruction for the population of local Sherpas. What's more, is that the project forged an alliance with Montana State University's School of Architecture, who provided the design work for the building. It is currently in the second phase of production and is seeking funding for phases 3-5. Please consider donating to this noble endeavor.
To donate, or find out more click here