KATHMANDU: A South Korean philanthropist and educator with a long-standing connection to Nepal is being recognised for two decades of sustained contributions to youth education, community development, and environmental conservation in the Himalayan region.

Kim Young Sik, an accredited trainer with Leave No Trace (LNT) Korea and a social worker by profession, has recently led a series of environmental stewardship and safety training programmes aimed at promoting sustainable mountaineering practices in Nepal.

In partnership with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), Kim facilitated a one-day LNT training programme in Lukla for SPCC staff and the Icefall Doctors working on Mount Everest. According to SPCC, 22 participants took part in the session, which focused on minimising environmental impact, improving waste management practices, and strengthening awareness of conservation responsibilities in the high Himalayan environment.

During the programme, SPCC and Leave No Trace Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their collaboration. Under the agreement, SPCC has begun delivering LNT education to climbers, Icefall Doctors, and its field staff operating in the Everest region.

SPCC said the partnership aims to support cleaner, safer, and more sustainable mountaineering activities in the Khumbu region, where environmental pressure has been increasing due to rising expedition traffic. The training in Lukla was facilitated by Kim, whose involvement, SPCC said, contributed to reinforcing environmental awareness among those working directly in the Everest area.

Earlier, Kim also conducted a two-day LNT and First Aid training programme at the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) headquarters in Kathmandu. The session targeted mountaineering stakeholders and focused on environmental responsibility and basic emergency response in mountain settings. NMA officials encouraged participants to apply the knowledge in efforts to preserve Nepal’s mountain ecosystems.

Kim’s engagement with Nepal extends well beyond recent environmental initiatives. Since 2005, he has led the Himalayan Remote School Expedition, a programme that combines youth challenge, community service, and cultural exchange. The initiative recently completed its 20th expedition after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A central component of the programme has been a 20-year partnership with Banibilas Secondary School in Chapagaun, Lalitpur. Support under the initiative has included the establishment of a library, science and computer laboratories, a Korean language classroom, and the provision of modern learning equipment for classrooms. Kim also provides annual scholarships to 13 students at the school.

In addition, a decade-long partnership with Baraburi Primary School in the Annapurna region has supported infrastructure improvements such as fencing, water supply systems, and roof replacements, along with ongoing assistance for school meals, educational materials, and winter clothing for students.

Finjo Sherpa, Managing Director of Korean Treks Pvt Ltd, which coordinates Kim’s visits to Nepal, said Kim considers Nepal his second home and has consistently supported local communities through education and environmental initiatives.

Beyond infrastructure support, the Himalayan Remote School Expedition emphasises cultural exchange through shared classroom activities and homestays, while promoting environmental responsibility through litter collection and conservation awareness during trekking activities.

Through more than three decades of engagement with Nepal, Kim Young Sik has contributed to educating young people, supporting remote communities, and strengthening efforts to protect the Himalayan environment, while fostering long-term people-to-people ties between Nepal and South Korea.