INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN EXPLORERS CONNECTION (IMEC) History of IMEC The International Mountain Explorers Connection (formerly the Himalayan Explorers Connection) was founded in 1996 in Boulder, Colorado to promote responsible and sustainable connections between travelers and the people of developing mountain regions of the world. IMEC provides and coordinates education, assistance, and cross-cultural experiences for members, volunteers, trekkers, and local communities. Promoting Sustainable Tourism According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Nepal and Tanzania are among the 10 poorest countries in the world. Yet, of the least developed countries, are in the top three in terms of tourism revenue.  IMEC, through volunteer placement, homestays, tourist education, and "off the beaten path" trips is actively following the WTO Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP) program to promote responsible, sustainable tourism that facilitates benefits from tourism "trickling down" to all members of the local population. Local Offices In addition to Boulder, Colorado, we currently have offices in Kathmandu, Nepal and Moshi, Tanzania. These offices update our volunteer handbooks, store gear for our Porter Assistance Project, help place volunteers in local villages, and allow us to conduct additional projects in which we participate. Memberships We depend on grants, donations, and memberships to fund our projects. IMEC members enjoy a number of benefits, including discounts on books, maps, and travel, our hard copy and online newsletters, use of our offices, and a chance to participate in our homestay program. For a full list of membership benefits and to join, visit www.mountainexplorers.org.