A declaration. A journey still unfolding.
Enter the story
1982
In October 1982, a declaration in Kathmandu connected mountain protection with the people who live there.
The Kathmandu Declaration
Archive copy · FFCAM
Archive copy published by FFCAM in the Jacques Malbos dossier; not an authenticated signed original.
“The cultural heritage and the dignity of the local population are inviolable.”Who defines what deserves protection, and whose knowledge is heard?
Reading the Declaration today means asking how its commitments meet the experience of mountain communities. The research brings archival sources into conversation with perspectives from Switzerland and Nepal.
2026–2028
Return to the mountains. Bring the story into public life.
Back to Kathmandu brings historical research into public life through a documentary and a travelling installation developed with mountain communities and cultural institutions.
2026
Listen and gather
Current programme
2027
Film and co-create
Planned
2028
Share and discuss
Planned
The people behind the journey
Research, filmmaking and public dialogue, across Switzerland and Nepal.
Prof. Claude Hauser
Project lead · History
Université de Fribourg
Prof. Nelly Valsangiacomo
History · Sensory research
Université de Lausanne · CIRM
Prof. Sabine Pitteloud
History · Environmental governance
UniDistance Suisse
Dr. Johann Roduit
Science communication · Public engagement
Conexkt
Dr. Philippe Vonnard
Scientific advice · Screenplay
Université de Fribourg
Vincent Aubert
Production · Screenplay
La Prod TV Sàrl
Nicolas Bossard
Filmmaker, producer and director
Suraz Gurung
Filmmaker & Cinematographer
Prof. Binod Dawadi
Scientific expertise · Nepal
Tribhuvan University
Film credits
- Screenplay
- Dr. Philippe Vonnard · Vincent Aubert · Florian Burion
- Filmmaker, producer and director
- Nicolas Bossard
- Cinematography, Kathmandu
- Suraz Gurung
- Art direction
- Benjamin Pichonnaz
Institutions & collaborators
Research & production
Université de Lausanne · CIRM · UniDistance Suisse · Conexkt · Tribhuvan University
With support from
Museums & mediation
ALPS Museum
International Mountain Museum, Pokhara
Mountain organisations
Further collaborations and sources
Roles documented in the project plan and film brochure. This list distinguishes research, production, support and collaboration.
Club Alpin Suisse · Association suisse des guides de montagne · Summit Foundation · International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations
Museums & mediation
Médiathèque Valais
Archive collaboration
RTS Archives
Dissemination contacts
FIFAD · BergWelten Filmfestival · International Mountain Museum Association
Contacts described in the project plan; participation is not presented as confirmed.
Follow the project
From the field to the screen
Notes from the field, encounters and work in progress.
Stay with the journey
Receive occasional project news, research stories, production notes, and invitations to screenings and installations.