Beat-the-GLOF Action Run to raise awareness of glacial floods
Sherpa conservationits are organizing a mountain race on June 18 in a bid
to raise awareness to the devastating effects of Global Lake Outburst
Floods (GLOF) in the Himalayas.
Sherwi Yondhen Tshokpa, a group of young Sherpa conservationists, with the
support of a non governmental organization iDEAS (Initiative for
Development & Eco Action Support) is organizing Beat the GLOF (Glacier
Lake Outburst Flood) Action Run to raise national and international
awareness to the problems of climate change and how it is impacting Nepal
and its people, according to Dawa Steven Sherpa of the iDEAS.
The race, the main highlight of the Imja Tsho Action Event 2009, will be
held in Khumbu region of eastern Nepal's Sagarmatha district, the home of
the Mt Everest.
"The event is being organized not only to raise awareness about the
problems facing the mountains and mountain communities because of climate
change, but also to call for actions to tackle grave problems like glacial
floods that are created by it," said Sherpa.
The Action Run starts at Imja Lake (5010m) and ends approximately 42
kilometers away at Khumjung Village School, the first school built by the
legendary mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary in the region. The route mostly
follows the path of the potential GLOF.
Sherpa, who is himself an avid mountaineer, said Imja Tsho is the fastest
growing glacial lake in the Himalayas, and is threatening the entire
Khumbu region, the main entry point to Mt Everest, and other low lying
areas.
"The glacial lake pose a serious threat to both local residents and
mountaineers," he said. "So the whole objective of the race is to show
that even the fastest runner cannot escape from a GLOF, a flood caused
when glacial lakes burst their natural dams."
About hundred people from the local community, including few foreigners,
have already signed up for the race, Sherpa informed.
The even is sponsored by the North Face, an international brand for
mountaineering clothes and equipments.
"By supporting this race, the North Face wants to show that it cares for
the mountains and the fragile ecosystem it supports," said Dip Lama,
Managing-Director of the North Face.
The Action Run will be followed by the Khumbu Festival 2009 in Khumjung
village on 19 June 2009. The festival will promote Sherpa people and their
culture, according to the organisers. nepalnews.com June 17 09
