The International Trekking Conference and Environmental Cleanup Campaign 2025, themed “United for Sustainable Himalayas,” is a multifaceted initiative spearheaded by Everest Alliance Nepal to address the pressing environmental and tourism-related challenges in Nepal’s Himalayan regions. Scheduled to commence on December 27, 2025, and conclude on January 4, 2026, this project integrates a high-profile international conference on sustainable tourism with a targeted environmental cleanup effort spanning the Annapurna Region and Everest Region. The campaign is designed to tackle the escalating issues of waste accumulation, trail erosion, and ecological degradation caused by the influx of trekkers and mountaineers.
The project’s core objective is to remove a minimum of one ton of waste from key trekking routes, including the Annapurna Base Camp route in Annapurna Region and the paths leading to Everest Base Camp in the Everest Region. This cleanup effort will be complemented by a robust educational outreach program aimed at raising awareness among local communities, tourists, and stakeholders about the interconnections between tourism, environmental health, and sustainable development. The initiative will leverage the participation of a diverse group of volunteers—both local and international—alongside strategic partnerships with conservation organizations, local municipalities, and waste management agencies to ensure a holistic approach.
Key activities include a series of planning and reconnaissance phases starting in September 2025, followed by collaborative clean-up operations and awareness campaigns during the event period. The project will provide all participants with essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training to ensure safety while handling waste, with strict protocols to manage hazardous materials. Beyond the physical cleanup, the conference will serve as a platform for the formal adoption of the “United for Sustainable Himalayas Declaration,” a 10-point commitment to promote eco-friendly trekking practices and conservation efforts.
By fostering community ownership, enhancing local capacity for waste management through waste management initiatives, and advocating for policy changes to support sustainable tourism, the project aims to create a lasting legacy. Supported by a detailed implementation plan and stakeholder collaboration, this initiative seeks to balance Nepal’s thriving adventure tourism industry with the urgent need to protect its fragile Himalayan ecosystems for future generations.
The International Trekking Conference and Environmental Cleanup Campaign 2025, organized by Everest Alliance Nepal (EAN), aims to achieve the following objectives:
