February 2008: The Mountain Fund is a US based charity with a mission to "organize grassroots non-profit and non-governmental organizations from a diversity of disciplines, and to support and coordinate these organizations' efforts to eliminate poverty, its causes and symptoms, in developing mountain communities around the world". The Mountain Fund/Adventure Engine partnership will make it possible for trekking agencies in Nepal [who subscribe to ethical treatment of porters, environmentally sound practices and a commitment to sustainable tourism], to access and use the powerful Adventure Engine. The Mountain Fund's Director, Scott MacLennan, says “Many good trekking agents in Nepal are at a market disadvantage in not being able to book online and take payments online. This is standard practice for Western companies, and Western clients have come to expect that level and ease of service. Asking clients to e-mail for information, or send credit card information in an e-mail, costs these companies business. This program will make all that possible and affordable.” 1% for the People: One of the conditions of accessing Adventure Engine via The Mountain Fund is that 1% of all trip sales will go to The Mountain Fund to be invested in schools, health clinics and other projects in Nepal. It’s a total win-win. The agent gets an affordable, smart, easy-to-use system for booking online and taking secure credit card payments, while helping his/her local charities and schools earn money. The idea of "1 Percent for the People" was first hatched by Danny Giovale, owner of Kahtoola Snow Shoes. For quite a while, there's been a "One Percent for the Planet" program which supports environnmental work, but what about the people? What about schools, health clinics and microfinance programs? Many people living in mountainous regions today know how to care for the natural environment, as it has been the source of their livelihood for generations. What they lack is access to healthcare, clean water, good education and capital to start businesses. That is what "1 Percent for the People" is all about, by tapping into the need for tour and trekking operators to have powerful, easy to use online booking systems to sell more trips and treks. "1 Percent for the People" makes it possible for trekking agents, hotel owners and tour operators in Nepal to make more money. To learn more about these new programs, please contact The Mountain Fund's Director, Scott MacLennan, at mtnfund@mountainfund.org.