Kathmandu : A team comprising Nepali women from diverse field has embarked on a journey to Kalapathar with the aim of bringing global attention to the issue of mountain melting attributed to climate change and its ramifications on local communities.
Organized by a social organization dedicated to climate change advocacy and women's empowerment, the expedition will coincide with the celebration of International Women's Day 2024 in the Everest region. Departing from Kathmandu, a cohort of 25 women, distinguished for their leadership across various domains, commenced their expedition on Thursday morning.
Patricia Fernandez-Pacheco, the Nepal Representative of UN Women, bid them farewell at Tribhuvan International Airport. Notable figures representing diverse sectors of society will traverse from Lukla to Kalapathar, intending to sensitize both national and international entities about climate change challenges in the Everest region and the hardships encountered by Himalayan communities.
Chairperson Prajeeta Karki outlined the itinerary, detailing plans for engagement with local representatives and communities along the Lukla to Kalapathar route to discuss the impacts of climate change. She emphasized, "For the past three years, we have ascended to Kalapathar, situated at an altitude of 18,519 feet, under the banner 'Women United for Climate Justice' on International Women's Day, drawing attention from global forums. This year, our agenda includes consultations with experts and stakeholders regarding the plight of communities residing at the foothills, grappling with the repercussions of mountain melting and exploring viable solutions."
Chairperson Karki further disclosed that the 25 women leaders will embark on their journey from Kathmandu to Lukla on February 17th, with plans for an interaction program scheduled on February 19th in Syangboche under the theme of 'Empowering Women to Bridge Government-Community Gap for Climate Justice'. Following the Syangboche event, the team will proceed to Kalapathar, aiming to spotlight the impacts of mountain melting on communities and the resultant harm to agriculture and tourism sectors, culminating their journey on March 8th.
Previously, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Syangboche in Solukhumbu, echoing concerns over mountain melting to the global community. The United Nations' commemoration of International Women's Day 2024 revolves around the theme 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress'.
Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Telecom, Nepal Telecommunication Authority, Trust Micro Insurance, Lumbini Garden Foundation, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAN) have collaborated in this trek organized by Sathsathai.
