A team of sustainability experts, climate change and explorers from across 6 nations got together for the Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) in Ladakh laden with equipment and supplies for the 11 day Himalayan challenge ahead. These inaugural editions of the Global Himalayan Expedition focused on the holistic Himalayan experience, stretching across pure adventure, cultural connect with the local communities, and activities focused on local sustainability. Not only does the expedition aimed to connect the world thought leaders and sustainability experts to the region which is a perfect example of sustainable living, but importantly it focused on setting up world’s 3rd Education Base (E-Base) in the region.
Woodland, country’s leading outdoor adventure gear brand, was the title sponsor for the E-Base, which will serve as a connecting medium for educational, environmental and energy initiatives between the local population and the global audience. Powered fully on renewable energy, the E-base has been technologically supported by Luminous Power technologies, India’s leading Power Solutions Company. Luminous has set up up a complete solar powered system comprising of Solar Panels, Solar Home UPS and Solar Batteries.
The inauguration of the Third Pole E-Base was done by none other than the world famous polar explorer, Sir Robert Swan, OBE, the first person to have walked to both the poles of Earth. The concept of E- base too has been instituted by Sir Swan who prior to this initiative has built two E bases at the South Pole and Pench Forests in Madhya Pradesh (India).
Sir Robert Swan elaborates, “E base have been a real support function to our work. This 3rd Pole E Base will be a multi dimensional base, supporting the local population and acting as a repository for future explorers and sustainability experts. We know that work is happening but we can’t be working in silos. We wanted thought leaders in this domain to come together to a place which is a perfect example for sustainable living. We wish to establish a perfect setting for the world to learn more about climate change and comprehend the need to promote renewable energy, preservation and conservation practices in their areas of operations. 2041 will extend all possible support to this initiative.”
The expedition revolved around three different modes of negotiating the terrain – biking, trekking and rafting- and we refer it all as the Tri-Adventure. The 2013 inaugural expedition of GHE was attended by sustainability experts, travelers and explorers from across 6 nations including US, UK, UAE, Nepal & Netherlands who trekked through Remote Villages and setups across the Zanskar Valley.
Brain child of Paras Loomba, an engineer by profession and a sustainability expert and an avid trekker, who post his Antarctica expedition last year conceptualized the expedition in Ladakh this year to bring the world focus to the 3rd Pole and highlight stories of simple people shouldering extraordinary responsibilities, and communities working unknowingly towards saving the planet.
Paras elaborates “My Journey to the South Pole was a transformational experience which made me realize the need for a sustainable future. As well as raising awareness and establishing a connecting with the local community, GHE was a unique opportunity to carry out a number of scientific tasks in the extreme environment, which will make a significant contribution to our understanding of the true effects of global warming closer to home. We thank all our participants and our sponsors and partner organizations especially Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre to have supported us throughout”
International water conservation experts’ cycle for water team who travelled 30,000 Kms from Alaska through America to Antarctica to raise awareness for Global water crisis was also a part of GHE. During the course of the expedition the participants connected with with the local communities and supported them through the provision of Special home lighting equipment (provided by Luminous).
Leading provider of wireless web access products and services and the inventor of the world’s least expensive tablet computer, the “Aakash”, Datawind, provided 10 tablets for use at the E-Base.
By creating a foundation based on the three pillars of Sustainable Energy Structure, E-learning Knowledge Centre & Local Acceptance, the World’s ‘Third E-Base’ located at Mahabodhi in Ladakh will act as an a bridge between Ladakhi community and the outside world. The E-base will act as a window for local students to connect with global educators & researchers. It will also educate local students on the latest in Science, Technology & Arts and will host visiting faculties to cover relevant topics. For the global community, the ‘Third E-Base’ will provide a platform to understand Ladakhian culture and their sustainable lifestyle and increase its socio-cultural setup.
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