High mountains of Tibet get a spring cleaning

Annual cleanup work on three mountains, including Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest), concluded recently in Tibet, with about 8 metric tons of waste collected, according to the Tibet Mountaineering Guide School.

Four cleanup activities were organized between March and May on Qomolangma, Shishapangma and Cho Oyu mountains.

Nearly 400 people participated in the cleanup, including mountaineering guides, local villagers, mountaineering expedition companies, regional sports bureau staff and NGOs.

The cleanup this year differed from those in the past, as it targeted human waste left by mountaineers. There are simple dry latrines at the Qomolangma Base Camp — at an altitude of 5,200 meters — as well as in higher places above 6,000 meters.

In addition to having participants collect and haul down the waste for disposal, the region’s sports bureau, which organized the activities, renovated the latrines at the base camp with simple toilet seats.

It also established a foundation to encourage local farmers and nomads to participate in garbage removal on Mount Qomolangma. The locals will be offered financial incentives from the foundation, which attracts funds from entrepreneurs and charities.

“We want more people in Tibet to see pure nature,” said Nyima Tsering, director of the Tibet Sport Bureau, the organizer of the cleanup.

Mountaineering expeditions have increased steadily in the region. Waste — including food packages, beverage bottles, discarded oxygen cylinders, old tents and excrement — has been polluting the environment.

But cleaning up waste on high mountains is difficult, as the cleaners have to deal with low temperatures and lack of oxygen.

“Thanks to more advanced technology, climbers are able to carry four to five oxygen tanks now. Even so, for personal safety, climbing requires much patience and concentration,” he said.

The regional government of Tibet has made mountaineering regulations and launched new administrative measures for better management of waste disposal.