Issues
Tourists visiting the region should always plan to interconnect with the area and its people in a positive manner. Three major issues that tourists need to be aware of are rubbish, interaction with Sherpas and deforestation.
1. Rubbish
At base camp and on Mt Everest, there is a huge pollution issue. Many climbers will just dump their rubbish without a care to pick it up. With the temperature being so cold, this means that the rubbish will never biodegrade and therefore remains and pollutes the environment. This rubbish includes: used oxygen cylinders, food packaging, torn tents/rope, human waste and even deceased bodies. (Brandlin. A, 2017)
2. Sherpa
Although Mt Everest brings a lot of tourists (and money) to its site, a lot of it is not staying in the country. Foreign-owned companies are profiting from the tourist industry. This means that the money goes to outside countries instead of staying in Nepal. Sherpa's are not earning fair wages compared to the western guides and managers. Sherpas are also not being respected, valued and recognised for their deeds and accomplishments.
(video.nationalgeographics.com, 2017)
3. Deforestation
Deforestation is an issue on and around Everest. Trees are being cut down to supply enough wood for campers, climbers and tea houses. Eventually, the forests will be wiped out. This will result in the homes of many flora and fauna will being lost. If there was an avalanche, trees would stop the falling snow and ice from endangering both villages and people. With the removal of the trees, there would be nothing to stop the fall. Mt Everest's ecosystem has suffered greatly over the last 70 years since the first successful Everest summit. Restoring the area needs to be a high priority.
(news.nationalgeographic.com, 2017)