Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Welcome to the Meliora Podcast from the Sustainability and Resilience Institute at the University of Southampton!
This podcast explores the greatest and most wicked problem that is sustainability, whilst looking at how we are collectively addressing this critical global challenge.
Sustainability needs to be addressed by understanding how the economy, society, culture, politics and environment intersect, and this is the focus that informs each episode of the Meliora podcast.
In each episode, host Professor Simon Kemp and guest hosts are joined by a variety of guests, including academics, students, staff, researchers, alumni, community groups and business leaders.
The aim of the podcast is to shine a light on the vast range of topics surrounding sustainability and to allow listeners to learn about the critical challenges we face, as well as how they can be part of the solution. We also ensure our fantastic students have the opportunity to share their brilliant work with the world.
Podcast host: Professor Simon Kemp, Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Resilience Institute, University of Southampton
Podcast editors: Lily Killner, Sophie Green, Libby Kale, Jack Dinham, Ellie Howell, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton
Podcast communications: Hannah Parish, Alexander Ayerst, Maya Stevens, University of Southampton
Please do get in touch to discuss this podcast and any of the issues we raise by emailing sri@soton.ac.uk
Follow us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast
Meliora: a podcast from the Sustainability & Resilience Institute
Julia Dines: Growth vs Conservation - how can trekking tourism in Nepal adapt to a sustainable future?
Julia Dines, BSc Environmental Science, joins us to discuss her research project "Growth vs Conservation - how can trekking tourism in Nepal adapt to a sustainable future?"
Abstract
The Himalayas are facing an ultimatum: limit trekking or lose the beauty of the mountains to environmental degradation, water contamination and waste accumulation. This research project aims to identify ways in which stakeholders can adapt their practices to protect the Himalayas, and their livelihoods, against climate change and anthropogenic destruction. To address these complex issues, four key stakeholder groups were researched using a mixed- methods approach. Data was collected from tourists, tour companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Nepalese government using a variety of qualitative research methods including an online survey, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal a critical gap between environmental awareness and the adoption of sustainable practices, underscoring the need for enhanced policy support and increased stakeholder collaboration. This research advances academic discourse on sustainable tourism and provides actionable recommendations to effectively safeguard the Himalayas against irreversible environmental damage. The fight against climate change is fundamental not only to protect the environment, but also to safeguard human health and the global economy. In an era of accelerating climate change, research into the world’s most vulnerable regions, such as the Himalayas, is crucial.
Episode Guest: Julia Dines, BSc Environmental Science
Episode Host: Prof Simon Kemp
Producer and Editor: Ellie Howell
