Nepal aims relocating Everest Base Camp

The decision is considered because of environmental concerns, as the current Base Camp's location is in danger due to the fast melting of the Khumbu glacier.

Residents, mountaineers and environmental experts have advised Nepali authorities to find another location for the camp, as climate change is starting to take its toll over the mountain.

"We have received recommendations from numerous stakeholders to relocate the base camp. While no decisions have been made yet, we are taking these suggestions very seriously," commented Nepal's Department of Tourism Director General Taranath Adhikari.

Another 2 or 3 years are expected to pass until a decision will be reached, due to the fact that parties must yet complete their research before making a clear proposal to the Nepali government.

Environmental damage at Mount Everest continues, with earlier this year a study published in the Nature Portfolio Journal of Climate and Atmospheric Science showing that 2.000 years old ice in the South Col Glacier melted in only 25 years, in what is considered to be "a complete change from what has been experienced in that area, throughout probably all of the period of occupation by humans in the mountains."

"Nepal alone cannot reduce carbon emissions and global warming impact. However, we can mitigate some matters by doing such kind of temporary measures.

"On the one hand, we want to preserve the mountain and the glacier. On the other hand, we don't want to affect the mountain economy", Adhikari added.

Tourism is Nepal’s fourth-largest sector, accounting for 11.5% of local employees. Moreover, tourists willing to climb Mount Everest must pay $11.000 per person for permits – partially, the money is allocated for the preservation of the neighbouring communities, so the tourism industry is of significant importance for the country. Nevertheless, the climbing risks are not negligible and can often have unfortunate outcomes.

Mount Everest's Base Camp is currently set at 5.400 meters above sea level, while the new location is considered to be moved 200 to 300 meters below this altitude.

 

Source: edition.cnn.com