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(CNN) — Nepal considers moving Everest Base Camp due to environmental concerns.
Taranath Adhikari, director-general of Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism, said the base camp location is at some risk due to the melting of the nearby Khumbu Glacier.
“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,” Adhikari told CNN Travel.
These stakeholders include local residents, mountaineers and environmentalists.
Since research activities can only be carried out in the spring, it may take 2-3 years to make a decision. Some studies took place during this year’s climbing season, which generally peaks in May.
Once involved parties have completed their investigation, they will probably have to submit a proposal to the Nepalese government. The Nepalese cabinet would have the last word on a decision.
Adhikari cited “anthropogenic activities” – otherwise known as human behavior – and climate change as issues affecting Base Camp. The Khumbu Glacier is melting faster than the natural rate.
A joint study conducted by China and Nepal has resulted in a new, higher elevation for the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest.
It is not the first time that concerned parties have raised the alarm about environmental damage on Mount Everest.
Paul Mayewski, the expedition leader and the director of the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine, told CNN that the findings showed “a complete change in what has been experienced in that area, probably throughout the period of human occupation in the United States.” mountains.”
Climate change affects many of the world’s most precious places.
“Nepal alone cannot reduce CO2 emissions and the impact of global warming.” said Adhikari. “However, we can mitigate some issues by taking such temporary measures.”
He added: “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.”
It is an ongoing challenge in Nepal to balance the desire to climb Everest with the needs of local communities.
Permits to climb Everest cost $11,000 per person. Some of that money is earmarked for communities near the mountain.
Mount Everest’s base camp is located 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) above sea level.
A proposed site for a new base camp could be 200-300 meters (656-984 feet) below the current elevation.
Top image: Camping tents at Everest Base Camp. Credit: TASHI LAKPA SHERPA/AFP/Getty Images
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