The Gran Paradiso National Park, after accruing an intense experience with respect to cross-border collaboration, opened a dialogue in recent years with other mountain parks, in the wake of the process started in Rio de Janeiro and then re-launched in Johannesburg.
In particular, the participation in the Mountain partnership paves the way for new perspectives and new approaches towards cooperation and dialogue between partners interested in the sustainable development of mountain areas and, for that which matters here, between parks.
On 10 October 2006 representatives of Nepal Government, Ministries and environmental institutions together with delegates from the Gran Paradiso National Park and Italian institutions adopted, after two days of working meetings started  the “Cogne Declaration” in Turin.
The declaration establishes principles, criteria and areas of the partnership that will be started between the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Sagharmatha National Park on biodiversity, natural and cultural resources and sustainable development.
This partnership is part of the Mountain Partnership that was launched by the 2002 UN Declaration in Johannesburg.
The Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, is a site in the Khumbu region, Nepal. Its area is 1148 sq km, and it was set up to include the highest world peak, Mount Everest (8,848 m) and to protect the unique landscape of the Himalayan mountains. 4 out of the 14 mountains higher than eight thousand meters are included in the protected area.
The Park is famous among climbers and excursionists: the combination of natural beauty and local Sherpa culture make this Park the number one destination of those who go to Nepal. UNESCO recognised this Park as a World Heritage Site due to its typical natural landscape.
69% of the park is above the timberline; forests only account for 3%, while the remaining 28% is pastures. Birches and tree rhododendron reach 4,500 m of height and then leave room to rocks and glaciers. There are 11 widespread plant species.
Because of its high average height and cold climate, the Park is relatively poor in mammals. However, significant and threatened species live there: among them are the Snow Leopard, the musk-deer, the Himalayan black bear, the wolf and the Goral. The most common wildlife species is Tahr. 199 bird species have been listed in the Park.
Around 3,500 Sherpa people live in the Park villages. Sherpas moved to the Khumbu valley around 600 years ago and have inherited a rich and unique culture. Their economy is based on agriculture, transhumance and trade with Tibet. Since 1950, mountain climbing expeditions and trek tourism have strongly increased, giving Sherpas the opportunity to make a living from tourism, although the presence of approximately 20,000 tourists every year causes significant pollution and waste disposal problems.
Gatherings to celebrate religious feasts take place at the Buddhist monasteries. Sherpa wedding and funeral rites are unique. The sacred words “Om mani padme hum” are often carved in stones, rocks and pebbles. As a sign of respect, monasteries and Mani rocks are crossed clockwise.
Mountain Partnership is a voluntary partners’ alliance whose objective to improve the lives of people living in the mountains and to protect of mountain environments throughout the world.
Launched at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002, the Mountain Partnership makes available the wealth and diversity of resources, information, knowledge and experience of its members to support the improvement of mountain areas.