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With the objective of raising awareness about the impact of climate change in the Himalayas, Eco Everest Expeditions 2008 is being organized in the spring of 2008 jointly by International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Asian Trekking. The expedition will also mark ICIMOD's 25th anniversary. This was informed in a press conference organized in Kathmandu on February 11, 2008. 'Eco Everest Expedition will be a platform to draw maximum global attention to the issues of climate change and melting glaciers in the Himalayas. It will specifically highlight the threats glacial lake outburst floods pose to the local communities and environment in the region. It will also raise awareness on early warning systems and on conserving the fragile mountain ecosystem,' reads a press statement release jointly be the organizers. Renowned Japanese alpinist and conservationist, Ken Noguchi will also be on the expedition as its senior advisor. Likewise, it is supported and endorsed by the pioneering US mountaineer Conrad Anker. Dawa Steven Sherpa of Asian Trekking will lead the expedition. As the main partner, ICIMOD will provide technical support for the expedition and carry out scientific research in the Khumbu Region, focusing on the Imja and Dig Tsho glacial lakes. At the sidelines of the expedition, clean-up campaigns, awareness raising workshops amongst local communities, a photo exhibition will also be organized. Likewise, the organizers are also planning to develop a ten-point recommendation for 'Eco Code of Conduct' which will be field tested during the Eco Everest Expeditions 2008. |