Press/Media: www.ekantipur.com
Date: February 12, 2008
Topic: Everest expedition for awareness of climate change

POST REPORT
KATHMANDU, Feb 12 -
To raise awareness on the impact of climate change in the Himalayas and draw the world's attention on the rapid melting of glaciers, an Eco Everest Expedition 2008 will climb Mount Everest this spring, said a statement issued by Integrated Center for Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking, who will lead the expedition, said the expedition would be a platform to draw maximum global attention on the issue of climate change by conducting field research and investigation.

An 18-member team involving eight foreigners and 10 Sherpas will start the expedition on April 17.

"It (Eco Everest Expedition 2008) would specifically highlight the threats glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs) pose to local communities and environment of that region," he said.

He added that a scientific research focussing on Imja and Dig Tsho glacial lakes of the Khumbu region would be carried out with technical support from ICIMOD.

As a part of the expedition, a trust fund would be set up exclusively for community development in the Khumbu region and to finance monitoring of dangerous glacial lakes.

Similarly, the fund would finance clean-up campaigns, and awareness raising workshops among local communities at the Everest Base Camp. An Information Center at the Everest Base Camp would be established to inform visitors about risks of GLOFs, said the statement.

Plans are underway to develop a ten-point recommendation for an 'Eco Code of Conduct' that would be field-tested during the expedition.

The expedition to be organized in partnership with Asian Trekking of the ASTREK Group and United Nations Environment Program is one of the several events planned by ICIMOD for this year.

Posted on: 2008-02-11