Nick Mason / Chairman of Trustees / International Porter Protection Group (UK)
Nick Mason is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine in Cardiff, well known to many in our community through his involvement in the Diploma in Mountain Medicine, and as Chairman of Trustees of IPPG(UK). As one of Olympus Cameras’ Top Photographers, Nick has been documenting life in the mountains of Nepal for many years through his beautiful, serene imagery.
As we are aware, media coverage of the earthquake has been mainly focussed on Kathmandu and Everest Basecamp. However, it is the rural hill villages of Nepal that have been worst affected by the disaster, yet received the least attention. We asked Nick if he could give us an insight into life these areas before the earthquake struck, both to draw attention to their needs and to help us make better sense of the situation now.
Helambu
These photographs come from a region of Nepal known as Helambu. It is a beautiful and scarcely visited area of steep hillside farmland and deep river valleys with a climate varying from sub-tropical to alpine. Helambu is home to both the Yolmo (often known as Helambu Sherpas) from whom the region gets its name and Tamangs. The region was severely effected by the civil war that raged between 1996 and 2006. Many Tamang men had to leave their homes to avoid being forcibly enlisted by the Maoists. Now, the commonest reason given by subsistence farmers for leaving their villages for weeks at a time is to work as porters in the mountains to earn money to pay for their children’s education.
The region suffered considerable damage and a high death toll in the Nepal earthquake.
Donations
Media interest in Nepal will inevitably fade over the coming weeks and months. However, the devastation in the country will take years, if not decades, to repair. If you have enjoyed these photographs, then we would ask that you consider donating some money to Community Action Nepal, a charity embedded in the rural Nepal and well placed to help with the longterm reconstruction.
Many thanks. #NepalEarthquake
