:quality(75)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/elcomercio/SLSM2XB4FZGS5AH7Y6M2GZ7YTA.jpg)
The use of drones to clean up waste in the Asian mountain range is a first for Nepalese authorities. Previously, Sherpas and members of the army were responsible for removing waste from the mountains, navigating through hazardous icefall while carrying heavy loads of garbage. However, with the implementation of drones, this burden will be alleviated, allowing for safer and more efficient waste collection.
The accumulation of waste on Everest has led to it being dubbed the highest garbage dump in the world. In response, the Nepalese government implemented measures in 2014 requiring climbers to descend from the peak with at least 8 kg of garbage or risk losing a $4,000 deposit. Other rules have also been established to address the growing pollution issue.
Nepal partnered with The NeverRest Project in 2023 to mobilize mountain specialists and climbers to address the waste issue on Everest. While Nepal has announced numerous regulations for mountain climbing in the past, implementation has been lacking due to the absence of liaison officers on the ground.
Innovative solutions like using drones equipped with cameras by organizations such as Ellipsis Earth offer hope for addressing plastic pollution crises. By mapping out plastic waste locations using drones, Ellipsis gathers crucial information that can contribute to combating pollution and waste accumulation. This technology demonstrates its immense potential beyond military applications.
Drones have found diverse applications across various sectors in Peru over years, including topography and mapping, surveillance, construction inspections, disaster prevention and more. Properly utilizing drones for initiatives like waste collection on Everest can help address environmental challenges in hard-to-reach areas effectively.
With this new approach to cleaning up trash from high altitudes comes a renewed hope for preserving these beautiful natural wonders for future generations while ensuring that they remain safe and accessible places for everyone who visits them.