KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 21
United Sherpa Association (USA), Inc, aka Sherpa Kyidug America hosted a first of its kind exhibition in New York with the theme "Changing Himalayas" to raise awareness to save the mountains, and the planet as a whole.
Environment friendly reusable keychains, bags and biodegradable prayer flags too were launched at the exhibition.
An ice-replica resembling Mt Everest, carved out of big chunks of ice, melting away into streams of water has been positioned right in front of the Kyidug's main doorstep as a reminder of the present scenario in and around Everest.
US-Nepal Climbers Association Inc has also exhibited all sorts of mountain gears required for climbing expeditions at the venue, along with images of first Everest summiteers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, among others.
During the inaugural event, USNCA President Passang Nima Sherpa shared about emerging crisis in the Himalayan communities caused by global warming. Sherpa highlighted the roles of climbers and professionals to help mitigate the adverse impact of global climate crisis.
These images displayed at the exhibition do not only show how courageous and risky the climbing profession is, but also sends a wakeup call to the global communities about the adverse impact of climate change, global warming to the Himalayan region.
It looks to bring more attention to the phenomenon of melting glaciers due to global warming, thereby affecting regional climate patterns and its impact on water resources, agriculture, livelihood and the economy of the region.
Sherpa Kyidug's green logo marking its Silver Jubilee flag was also on display, which symbolises environmental sustainability with greener world.
The flag was taken to the top of Everest by young Sherpa summiteer Nima Doma Sherpa.
Amrit Bahadur Rai, Head of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, Sherpa Kyidug's trustee/ coordinator Pemba Gyaljen Sherpa and president Tshering Sherpa inaugurated the event by lighting butter lamps. They officially launched biodegradable bags and prayers flags after Pema Chhewang Sherpa apprised the guests about his creation of environmentally groundless reusable bags in the presence of various community representatives.
In his speech, Rai expressed appreciated the efforts of the association for organising such an event with praiseworthy participation of young generation and expressed his concerns over the roles and responsibilities of one and all to reduce emission of greenhouse gasses which have serious consequences.
Advisor to New York City Mayor, Nabraj KC also expressed his appreciation and his willingness to support and promote the biodegradable products.
NRNA NCC New York Chapter President Ang Tshering Sherpa, environmental activist Karma Lama, NSSP advisor Dawa Yangi Sherpa, among others, took to the dais to appreciate the efforts of organisers, to express solidarity and to raise their concerns on threats to livelihood and lifestyle of the Sherpas and others Himalayan communities.
