Campaign, Events

In Copenhagen to Save the Himalayas

December 18th, 2009

After organising the historic cabinet meeting of Nepali government ministers at the base camp of Mt. Everest, the ‘Summiteers Summit to Save the Himalayas’ led a march through Copenhagen, Denmark on the occasion of International Mountain Day, 11 December 2009. This awareness raising program aimed to draw the attention of the world leaders and the global community gathered for the UNFCCC COP 15 towards the perils of climate change in the Himalayas.

The highlight of the event was a colorful march in the streets of Copenhagen. It was led by mountaineering icon Apa Sherpa together with 35 renowned summiteers of 8,000 m peaks in summit gear who were joined by about 300 other Nepalese and supporters from all over the world. Other activities included: the “Himalaya – Changing Landscapes“ photo exhibition, a spectacular series of a repeat photographs; documentaries; a cultural program by a Sherpa cultural group and a Danish band; speeches by mountaineering icons and the issue declaration to save the Himalayas . Several organisations such as Nepal’s National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), ICIMOD, WWF Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Mountaineering Association, the World Bank, Danish Embassy and private institutions joined hands with the government to launch this very special event.

More details can be found at  Save the Himalayas. The Summiteers kindly request you to link your website expressing solidarity to the Himalayan cause by electronically signing on the declaration. Let’s come together to save the Himalayas!!

To learn more see a video clip of Dawa Steven Sherpa explaining why dealing with the problems of climate change in Nepal is so important for the world. Or watch a video clip of the Nepalese cabinet meeting held on the Kalapatthar plateau at the base of Mount Everest to draw attention to the impact of climate change.