Kathmandu: Nepal has implemented new regulations for Mount Everest climbers in an effort to enhance safety and address environmental concerns.
In the wake of one of the deadliest seasons last year, which claimed the lives of 18 climbers, authorities have mandated the use of GPS trackers by climbers during the upcoming spring season. These smaller passive trackers, easily sewn into jackets, require no power to function and aim to facilitate accurate location identification in case of accidents.
Additionally, the local rural municipality of Everest has introduced several regulations, including the requirement for climbers to use compostable bags, similar to those used for dog waste, for disposing of their excrement above the base camp. The move is a response to the environmental impact of tonnes of trash, including discarded climbing gear, plastic, and human waste, accumulating on the mountain, earning it the moniker of the "highest dumpster in the world."
Mingma Chiri Sherpa, chairman of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, emphasized the need to combat pollution, stating, "Our mountains are getting polluted as well as our water sources."
The use of biodegradable bags is expected to ensure proper waste disposal upon climbers' return. While base camps are equipped with toilets using barrels to collect waste, higher elevations pose challenges for waste management, leading to the adoption of biodegradable solutions.
Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, welcomes hundreds of climbers each spring season. The country aims to balance the growth in the climbing industry with safety measures and environmental conservation. Expedition operators in Kathmandu are preparing for the influx of climbers, expecting at least 400 during the upcoming spring season.
The new regulations also align with efforts to address health risks associated with abandoned waste, especially in freezing conditions where climbers rely on melted snow for drinking water. The introduction of mandatory trackers and biodegradable poo bags reflects Nepal's commitment to sustainable and responsible mountaineering practices on the iconic Everest.