The Jogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan has submitted for public discussion a draft law "On mountaineering", which proposes to introduce a fee for climbing mountain peaks above 6,000 meters, Ferghana reports.
According to the initiative, climbers will be required to obtain a special permit, the cost and procedure for issuing which will be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
The project also provides for mandatory insurance for participants, increased safety measures and liability for violations, as well as environmental requirements: expeditions must collect and take out garbage for further disposal.
The author of the initiative, deputy Emil Toktoshev ("Butun Kyrgyzstan" party), noted that the document regulates the activities of guides, instructors, climbing clubs and travel companies, and also provides for infrastructure development and international cooperation.
The bill was drafted against the background of the tragic case of Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsina, who died at Victory Peak (7439 m).
Despite an extensive rescue operation involving Kyrgyz and foreign specialists, it was not possible to save her.
The story sparked a broad discussion about the safety of mountaineering and the level of organization of rescue work in the region.
