The Ongoing Clean-Up Efforts on Mount Everest: A 40-Year Journey
Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, has long been a beacon for climbers worldwide. However, with its popularity has come an unintended consequence: the accumulation of waste and environmental degradation. Over the past 40 years, both governmental bodies and non-profit organizations have dedicated themselves to the task of preserving Everest's pristine environment. From grassroots efforts by the Sherpa community to large-scale initiatives organized by the governments of Nepal and China, significant strides have been made to clean up the mountain.
Establishment of Waste Management Institutions
In 1991, Nepal established the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a non-profit waste management organization focused on cleaning up Everest's southern slopes. This organization was a pioneering effort in institutionalizing waste management in the Everest region. On the northern side of Everest, the Tibet Mountaineering Association launched its first clean-up campaign in the spring of 1997. This initiative targeted the removal of oxygen cylinders and debris left behind from the expeditions of the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, annual themed clean-up activities have become a regular and essential environmental force on Everest's northern slope.
Nepal’s Eco Everest Expedition and Collaborative Efforts
On the Nepalese side, the Eco Everest Expedition has been at the forefront of cleaning efforts. Sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, the Eco Everest Expedition has conducted clean-up activities since 2008. To date, the expedition has successfully removed over 13 tons of waste from Everest. As of 2021, more than 25,000 kilograms (55,000 pounds) of trash and debris, over 1,000 kilograms of human waste, and the bodies of five deceased climbers have been transported down the mountain.
In 2011, the Nepalese government collaborated with multiple non-profit organizations to launch a massive clean-up operation on Everest’s southern slope. The operation involved 29 experienced climbers, 65 Sherpa porters, and 75 yaks. Over a month, participants carried down approximately 15 kilograms of garbage per trip, resulting in the removal of 8.1 tons of waste.
Tibet's Large-Scale Clean-Up Operations
In 2018, following the mountaineering season on Everest, the Tibet Mountaineering Guide Team initiated four large-scale clean-up operations above 5,200 meters on the northern side of the mountain. These operations successfully cleared nearly 10 tons of waste, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining the mountain's environmental health.
Nepal Army’s "Clean Mountain Campaign"
In 2019, the Nepalese Army launched the "Clean Mountain Campaign," collecting 10 tons of waste in its inaugural year. However, the campaign was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the campaign resumed and collected 27.6 tons of waste. In 2022, three Nepalese army-led teams, comprising 92 members, undertook a two-month clean-up operation, removing more than 33 tons of waste from the mountain.
In 2023, the Nepalese Army dispatched three mountaineering teams to clean up Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, and Baruntse peaks. The mission, which ran from March 28 to June 5, successfully removed 35 tons of waste. Unfortunately, the 2023 operation also witnessed two tragic deaths among the accompanying climbing guides and injuries to four army personnel.
Conclusion
The continuous efforts to clean up Mount Everest reflect the ongoing commitment of Nepal and China, along with various international organizations, to preserve this iconic peak. These clean-up campaigns highlight the collective responsibility of climbers, governments, and non-profits to protect one of the world's most cherished natural wonders. The dedication and sacrifices made by those involved in these efforts remind us of the importance of environmental stewardship, even at the planet's highest elevations.
