Eco Everest Expedition

Eco Everest 2008 is unique in the way it combines mountaineering with scientific research. The expedition will climb Mount Everest in the spring of 2008, and in parallel scientific research will be conducted on glacial lakes and melting glaciers. The initiative aims at raising awareness on the impact of climate change in the Himalayas. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking will lead the climbing expedition. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) will be responsible for the research and will provide technical support and carry out scientific studies in Khumbu, specially focusing on the Imja and Dig Tsho glacial lakes. Eco Everest is conducted in partnership with Asian Trekking, ICIMOD and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Accompanying the expedition is Ken Noguchi, famous Japanese alpinist and conservationist who acts as the senior advisor to Eco Everest Expedition 2008. The expedition is also supported and endorsed by the pioneering US mountaineer Conrad Anker.

Eco Everest 2008 will especially highlight the threats Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) pose to the local communities and environment in the Khumbu region. As part of the initiative a Trust Fund has been set up for community development in Khumbu and financing further research and monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes. Plans are also underway to develop a ten point recommendation for an "Eco-Code of Conduct" (ECC) which will be field-tested during the Eco Everest Expedition 2008. This code has been developed in close liaison with different internationally renowned mountaineers and various alpine associations around the world.