Nepal Initiates 5-Year Mount Everest Cleanup Strategy

Post by : Raina Nasser

Nepal has unveiled a comprehensive five-year initiative focused on cleaning Mount Everest and other peaks throughout the nation. Orchestrated by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, this plan is set to unfold from 2025 to 2029, with the primary aim of maintaining the cleanliness of the mountains and enhancing safety for climbers.

For years, Mount Everest has suffered from pollution. Climbers, guides, Sherpas, and porters have left a variety of waste, from plastic bottles and ropes to food scraps and human waste. Notably, plastic presents a grave hazard due to its prolonged decomposition time which contaminates soil and air.

Many adventurers, including Japanese mountaineer Ken Noguchi, have expressed their dismay at the litter on Everest. He remarked, “Before my ascent, I was captivated by stunning images of Everest on television. However, upon arrival, I was appalled by the litter everywhere.”

Per the new initiative, all climbing teams must complete a clean mountain briefing prior to their expeditions. A temporary waste collection facility will be established at Camp 2 on Mount Everest, where climbers are required to bring down a specific quota of waste from higher altitudes for disposal.

The strategy also explores innovative solutions for waste management. Nepal may employ techniques like ropeways and drones to gather trash from areas that are difficult to access. Additionally, GPS tracking will be experimented with to safely locate human remains on the peaks.

Starting in 2024, a requirement for climbers to utilize waste bags above the base camp has already been put in place. This plan aims to impose restrictions on the number of climbers allowed at any given time, addressing recent congestion issues during climbing seasons. The government will implement regulations to align climbers with the mountain's natural capacity and optimal weather conditions for climbing.

Moreover, the strategy suggests examining the potential relocation of Everest Base Camp to mitigate environmental impacts. Himal Gautam, director at the Department of Tourism, stated, “The base camp faces overcrowding issues, and we must investigate whether there is a more suitable location to safeguard the mountain.”

Nepal has previously engaged in cleanup efforts on Everest. In 2019, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee alongside Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality led a successful initiative to clear debris. The Nepali Army has also contributed, assisting in the removal of 10.8 tonnes of trash and recovering four human remains. To date, they have collected a total of 119 tonnes of waste alongside 12 human bodies and four sets of remains.

Despite numerous previous endeavors, Mount Everest continues to face significant pollution issues. Between 2000 and 2007, Noguchi and his team managed to collect around 90 tonnes of waste. However, the mountain remains heavily littered 25 years later.

With eight of the world's 14 tallest mountains towering above 8,000 meters, as well as 28 mountain ranges and over 6,000 rivers, Nepal's new five-year strategy aims to protect these invaluable natural resources while making climbing experiences safer and more sustainable.

The Everest Cleaning Action Plan is a pivotal move toward preventing the mountains from transforming into waste disposal sites, ensuring future climbers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Nepal's peaks in safety.