In a historic move to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Mount Everest’s first ascent in 1953, the Mount Everest Foundation (MEF) from the UK has announced a significant expansion of its grant program, now extending eligibility to Nepali citizens. This initiative seeks to rectify what the Foundation diplomatically terms as “a longstanding anomaly” while acknowledging the pivotal role played by Nepalis in numerous mountain expeditions.
Unveiling the Change
Following the remarkable achievement of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in conquering Everest, Sir John Hunt, the expedition leader, established the MEF. The Foundation’s genesis can be traced back to the immense success of Hunt’s lectures and the globally acclaimed film, “The Conquest of Everest,” which not only earned international praise but also raised an impressive £100,000. With this financial backing, Hunt envisioned a foundation aimed at fostering and supporting mountain exploration endeavors.
Over the years, the MEF has been a crucial source of financial support for over 2,000 expeditions, especially aiding technically challenging climbs in remote and demanding terrains across the globe. Furthermore, it has been a key contributor to scientific research, spanning from high-altitude medicine to glaciology and climate change studies. However, until now, eligibility for funding was restricted solely to British and New Zealand nationals, a limitation the MEF now acknowledges as unfair, given the indispensable contributions of Nepali individuals to these expeditions.
Timeline and Funding Details
Starting from the outset of 2024, Nepalese citizens will be able to submit their applications. The application deadlines have been set for January 31 for expeditions scheduled after mid-April of the current year and September 30 for those set to commence after mid-November of the same year and before the conclusion of the following year.
The funding allocated varies depending on multiple factors, including the objectives of the expedition, team size, and potential qualification for supplemental grants, such as the Alison Chadwick Memorial Fund for female mountaineers. Generally, funding ranges from £1,000 ($1,275) to £5,500 (US $7,000) per expedition, as per details shared with ExplorersWeb.
Criteria and Environmental Focus
The judging committee is poised to prioritize expeditions that delve into exploratory pursuits, aim for first ascents, or chart new routes on high or remote mountains, with a particular emphasis on executing these endeavors in a light and sustainable manner. Access to application instructions and forms can be found here.
The MEF has also introduced a Code of Practice for expeditions, implemented in August, mandating that expeditions conscientiously address their environmental impact across all phases of the endeavor, while considering their social and cultural implications. The Foundation underscores the importance of reducing environmental impact, offsetting unavoidable travel emissions, ensuring fair payment to local workers, and minimizing the use of fixed protection in climbing, promoting an alpine or capsule style.
Additionally, for scientific expeditions, the MEF will review applications in collaboration with Kathmandu University.
In 2023, the MEF allocated over $89,000 to 20 expeditions, including funding for Paul Ramsden and Tim Miller, whose innovative Phantom Line route on Jugal Spire garnered them the prestigious Piolet d’Or award, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking mountain exploration.
