Dear Friends,
Please find below and enclosed herewith the press release on Summiteers’ Summit plans unveiled today by Honorable Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, Mr. Deepak Bohara.
Regards,
Ang Tshering Sherpa
President,
(UAAA) Union of Asian Alpine Association
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Press Release |
2 November 2009 |
Renowned mountaineers to come together to help raise awareness on Climate Change in the Himalayas at Copenhagen
Kathmandu, Nepal – World renowned mountaineers will come together at Copenhagen on the occasion of International Mountain Day (11 December 2009) to raise awareness on impacts of Climate Change in the Himalayas. Hon’ble Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation Mr. Deepak Bohara unveiled the plans for the Summiteers' Summit today. Government of Nepal is leading the efforts supported by several partner organizations namely ICIMOD, NTNC, NTB, NMA, the World Bank, WWF. Several other organizations including those working for the Himalayan cause are likely to join the efforts. Business affinity groups like FNCCI, CNI and Bankers' Association will also be invited to support the event.
Climate Change has hit hard the Himalayas in general and Nepal in particular. Its effects are being manifested in different forms some of them being rapid increase in the size of glacial lakes, erratic monsoon patterns and unprecedented forest fires. Although being one of the least Green House Gas (GHG) emitting countries in the world, Nepal ranks among one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. This fact largely remains unrepresented in the global climate debate so far.
Government of Nepal and agencies concerned with the impacts of Climate Change in the Himalayas, and its knock-on effect on the population of downstream countries have been spearheading substantive efforts to raise this issue at appropriate global platforms. Notable among them is WWF's Climate for Life campaign and the recent Kathmandu to Copenhagen Regional Climate Change Conference hosted by the Government of Nepal.
Many high profile events have been planned across Europe to build up interest in this important event on International Mountain Day. World renowned mountaineers and public figures who love the Himalayas will come together in Copenhagen to raise awareness of climate risks and opportunities in the Himalayas. A street carnival in the streets of Copenhagen will see hundreds of summiteers and friends of Nepal raising their voice for the Himalayas.
The Legendary Mountaineers Apa Sherpa and Dawa Steven Sherpa, both of whom have been working tirelessly with WWF’s Climate For Life Campaign for the last several months, will be representing Nepal at the summit and the many preceding activities.