13. Oktober 2009
Klimawandel konkret: Fotoausstellung «Himalaja – Changing Landscapes» in Bern
Die Auswirkungen der globalen Erderwärmung lassen sich besonders deutlich an der
Himalaja-Region nachvollziehen. Die Fotoausstellung «Himalaja – Changing Landscapes» zeigt, wie Gletscher schmelzen und Gletscherseen immer zahlreicher und grösser werden. Die Panoramabilder sind erstmals in der Schweiz zu sehen, vom 26. bis
31. Oktober auf dem Waisenhausplatz in Bern. Der Eintritt ist frei.
In den 1950er Jahren erforschten der Schweizer Gletscherforscher Fritz Müller und sein
österreichischer Kollege Erwin Schneider das Himalaja-Gebirge. Heute dokumentieren ihre
Fotos eindrucksvoll die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf den höchsten Gebirgszug der
Welt, den Himalaja. 2007 besuchte Alton Byers dieselben Fotoschauplätze erneut und
fotografierte die Veränderungen. Die Fotoausstellung «Himalaja – Changing Landscapes»
zeigt die Bergpanoramas von damals und heute.
Lebensbedingungen im Wandel
Die Gegenüberstellung der grossformatigen Bilder macht deutlich, wie sich der Klimawandel auf die Gletscher im Himalaja ausgewirkt hat. Parallel dazu dokumentiert eine Fotoserie die veränderten Erwartungen und Chancen der Bewohner des Himalaja-Gebiets. Porträts von Personen heute und vor fünfzig Jahren zeigen die Lebensbedingungen der Bergbevölkerung im Wandel – im Guten wie im Schlechten.
Himalaja als dritter Pol der Erde
Das Himalaja-Gebiet verfügt über die grösste Konzentration an Schnee und Eis ausserhalb der Pol-Regionen. Der Himalaja wird deshalb auch als «dritter Pol» der Erde bezeichnet und beliefert mit seinen zehn Flusssystemen 1,3 Milliarden Menschen mit Wasser. Wie die Bilder der Ausstellung zeigen, ist am Fuss des Imja-Gletschers ein riesiger See entstanden. Da die Gefahr besteht, dass der Gletschersee eines Tages ausbricht, bedroht er die Menschen, die flussabwärts leben. Mit der Ausstellung möchte ICIMOD ein Bewusstsein für die Folgen des Klimawandels schaffen.
Informationen zur Ausstellung
Die Ausstellung wird von ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) in Partnerschaft mit der Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA) organisiert. «Himalaja – Changing Landscapes» wurde erstmals im April 2008 auf 5’300 Metern Höhe am Mount Everest-Basislager gezeigt. Anschliessend gastierte die Wanderausstellung in Deutschland, Nepal, Schweden und Spanien und macht nun vom 26. bis 31. Oktober 2009 in Bern Halt.
Die Fotoausstellung findet unter freiem Himmel statt und ist ganztätig kostenlos zugänglich. Fachpersonen geben jeweils von 10 bis 18 Uhr Auskunft und führen auf Anfrage durch die Ausstellung.
Wo: Waisenhausplatz Bern, beim Meret-Oppenheim-Brunnen
Wann: 26. bis 31. Oktober 2009, 10 bis 18 Uhr
Lebensbedingungen im Wandel
Die Gegenüberstellung der grossformatigen Bilder macht deutlich, wie sich der Klimawandel auf die Gletscher im Himalaja ausgewirkt hat. Parallel dazu dokumentiert eine Fotoserie die veränderten Erwartungen und Chancen der Bewohner des Himalaja-Gebiets. Porträts von Personen heute und vor fünfzig Jahren zeigen die Lebensbedingungen der Bergbevölkerung im Wandel – im Guten wie im Schlechten.
Himalaja als dritter Pol der Erde
Das Himalaja-Gebiet verfügt über die grösste Konzentration an Schnee und Eis ausserhalb der Pol-Regionen. Der Himalaja wird deshalb auch als «dritter Pol» der Erde bezeichnet und beliefert mit seinen zehn Flusssystemen 1,3 Milliarden Menschen mit Wasser. Wie die Bilder der Ausstellung zeigen, ist am Fuss des Imja-Gletschers ein riesiger See entstanden. Da die Gefahr besteht, dass der Gletschersee eines Tages ausbricht, bedroht er die Menschen, die flussabwärts leben. Mit der Ausstellung möchte ICIMOD ein Bewusstsein für die Folgen des Klimawandels schaffen.
Informationen zur Ausstellung
Die Ausstellung wird von ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) in Partnerschaft mit der Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA) organisiert. «Himalaja – Changing Landscapes» wurde erstmals im April 2008 auf 5’300 Metern Höhe am Mount Everest-Basislager gezeigt. Anschliessend gastierte die Wanderausstellung in Deutschland, Nepal, Schweden und Spanien und macht nun vom 26. bis 31. Oktober 2009 in Bern Halt.
Die Fotoausstellung findet unter freiem Himmel statt und ist ganztätig kostenlos zugänglich. Fachpersonen geben jeweils von 10 bis 18 Uhr Auskunft und führen auf Anfrage durch die Ausstellung.
Wo: Waisenhausplatz Bern, beim Meret-Oppenheim-Brunnen
Wann: 26. bis 31. Oktober 2009, 10 bis 18 Uhr
Imja Glacier in the 1950s
An impressive layer of ice covered the Imja glacier in the 1950s. Thick ice falls down from the mountain and the glacier merges with the Lhotse Shar glacier further down. However, even in the 1950s, small meltwater ponds could be seen in and around the glacier. Over the next fifty years, these ponds continued to grow and merge, and by the mid 1970s had formed the Imja lake.
Photo: Erwin Schneider, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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An impressive layer of ice covered the Imja glacier in the 1950s. Thick ice falls down from the mountain and the glacier merges with the Lhotse Shar glacier further down. However, even in the 1950s, small meltwater ponds could be seen in and around the glacier. Over the next fifty years, these ponds continued to grow and merge, and by the mid 1970s had formed the Imja lake.
Photo: Erwin Schneider, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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Imja Glacier in 2007
By 2006, the Imja lake had grown to around 1 km long with an average depth of 42 metres, and contained more than 35 million m³ of water. The Imja glacier is retreating at an average rate of 74 metres per year, and is thought to be the fastest retreating glacier in the Himalayas.
The thin cover of debris on this glacier may actually have accelerated surface melting, as heat is transferred to the ice below. Because of the unconsolidated nature of the lake’s terminal moraine dam, the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) may be high.
Photo: Alton Byers, Khumbu, Nepal, 2007, The Mountain Institute
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JPEG, CMYK, 300 ppi, 16.6 MB
By 2006, the Imja lake had grown to around 1 km long with an average depth of 42 metres, and contained more than 35 million m³ of water. The Imja glacier is retreating at an average rate of 74 metres per year, and is thought to be the fastest retreating glacier in the Himalayas.
The thin cover of debris on this glacier may actually have accelerated surface melting, as heat is transferred to the ice below. Because of the unconsolidated nature of the lake’s terminal moraine dam, the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) may be high.
Photo: Alton Byers, Khumbu, Nepal, 2007, The Mountain Institute
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Ama Dablam and Imja Valley in the 1950s
The original photographs, taped together to form a panorama, were taken from a photo point high above Nangkartshung monastery near the village of Dingboche on the Everest trekking trail. To the left of Ama Dablam is the upper Imja Khola (above the men on the left of the panorama), the route used by mountaineers climbing Island Peak (6189 m); to the right is the lower Imja Khola valley and route back to the main Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar.
Photo: Erwin Schneider, Dingboche, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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The original photographs, taped together to form a panorama, were taken from a photo point high above Nangkartshung monastery near the village of Dingboche on the Everest trekking trail. To the left of Ama Dablam is the upper Imja Khola (above the men on the left of the panorama), the route used by mountaineers climbing Island Peak (6189 m); to the right is the lower Imja Khola valley and route back to the main Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar.
Photo: Erwin Schneider, Dingboche, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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Ama Dablam and Imja Valley in 2007
Ama Dablam (6856 m) and Imja valley seen from the same photo point in 2007. Warming temperatures have contributed to the recession of more than a hundred metres of ice, seen to the left of Ama Dablam (the vertical black line farthest to the left in the old photo). The dramatic melting of glaciers and ice witnessed at lower altitudes is not yet seen at higher altitudes where the temperatures are much lower, and remain below zero even after warming. However, with continuing rising temperatures the temperatures may rise above zero and even the high altitude glaciers will become more susceptible, and liable to shrink.
Photo: Alton Byers, Dingboche, Nepal, 2007, The Mountain Institute
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Ama Dablam (6856 m) and Imja valley seen from the same photo point in 2007. Warming temperatures have contributed to the recession of more than a hundred metres of ice, seen to the left of Ama Dablam (the vertical black line farthest to the left in the old photo). The dramatic melting of glaciers and ice witnessed at lower altitudes is not yet seen at higher altitudes where the temperatures are much lower, and remain below zero even after warming. However, with continuing rising temperatures the temperatures may rise above zero and even the high altitude glaciers will become more susceptible, and liable to shrink.
Photo: Alton Byers, Dingboche, Nepal, 2007, The Mountain Institute
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Taboche and Khumbu Valley in the 1950s
Taboche peak (6367 m) as seen by Erwin Schneider from the east. The photo was taken from above the Nangkartshung monastery. Taboche, and its neighbour Jobo Laptsan (6440 m, centre, the mountain that looks as though it is bent and pointing north), preside over the lower Khumbu valley. At their base is the path to Everest base camp. Tsholo Tso is a moraine dammed lake at the foot of Jobo Laptsan. The moraine, seen as a white, glacial-like feature, is blocking the lake.
Photo: Erwin Schneider, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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Taboche peak (6367 m) as seen by Erwin Schneider from the east. The photo was taken from above the Nangkartshung monastery. Taboche, and its neighbour Jobo Laptsan (6440 m, centre, the mountain that looks as though it is bent and pointing north), preside over the lower Khumbu valley. At their base is the path to Everest base camp. Tsholo Tso is a moraine dammed lake at the foot of Jobo Laptsan. The moraine, seen as a white, glacial-like feature, is blocking the lake.
Photo: Erwin Schneider, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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Taboche and Khumbu Valley in 2007
Taboche (6367 m) seen from the same point in 2007. The clean, debris-free glaciers and ice nestled below the Taboche summit have been reduced considerably by recent warming trends. The ice in the small glaciers below the ridgelines to the right (north) has suffered the most, perhaps because of its lower altitude, below 6000 metres. Comparison of satellite images of Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park taken in the 1970s, and in recent years shows that hundreds of these small glaciers have disappeared.
Photo: Alton Byers, Khumbu, Nepal, 2007, The Mountain Institute
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Taboche (6367 m) seen from the same point in 2007. The clean, debris-free glaciers and ice nestled below the Taboche summit have been reduced considerably by recent warming trends. The ice in the small glaciers below the ridgelines to the right (north) has suffered the most, perhaps because of its lower altitude, below 6000 metres. Comparison of satellite images of Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park taken in the 1970s, and in recent years shows that hundreds of these small glaciers have disappeared.
Photo: Alton Byers, Khumbu, Nepal, 2007, The Mountain Institute
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Khumbu and Imja Valleys in the 1950s
Khumbu and Imja valleys as seen from the upper slopes of Taboche (6367 m) by Erwin Schneider. To the left is the pyramid shaped Pumori (7146 m) with the Khumbu glacier just below, at the head of the Khumbu valley that serves as the gateway to the Everest base camp. The Everest massif in the next frame is dominated by the long wall of Lhotse (8410m).
Imja valley is in the middle of the panorama, the approach to the popular Island Peak clearly visible, as well as the Amphu Laptsa pass (5780 m) into the remote Hongu valley of the Makalu-Barun National Park. Ama Dablam (6856 m) appears in the fourth photo. To the right is the Mingbo valley, where Sir Edmund Hillary conducted high altitude research in the early 1960s. Below this is the lower Imja valley and trail back to the main Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar.
Erwin Schneider, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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Khumbu and Imja valleys as seen from the upper slopes of Taboche (6367 m) by Erwin Schneider. To the left is the pyramid shaped Pumori (7146 m) with the Khumbu glacier just below, at the head of the Khumbu valley that serves as the gateway to the Everest base camp. The Everest massif in the next frame is dominated by the long wall of Lhotse (8410m).
Imja valley is in the middle of the panorama, the approach to the popular Island Peak clearly visible, as well as the Amphu Laptsa pass (5780 m) into the remote Hongu valley of the Makalu-Barun National Park. Ama Dablam (6856 m) appears in the fourth photo. To the right is the Mingbo valley, where Sir Edmund Hillary conducted high altitude research in the early 1960s. Below this is the lower Imja valley and trail back to the main Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar.
Erwin Schneider, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 – 1961
Courtesy of the Association for Comparative Alpine Research, Munich
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Khumbu and Imja Valleys in 2007
Khumbu and Imja valleys seen from the upper slopes of Taboche (6367 m). Glacier retreat is a complex phenomenon, and still not enough is known about it. Although it is clear that, in general, glaciers all over the world are shrinking this is not the case everywhere. These photographs from the 1950s and from 2007 indicate that warming has not (yet) led to a dramatic change in ice cover at high altitudes (above 5000 m), where temperatures remain well below zero year round. This could change rapidly as the altitude of the ‘snow line’ gradually moves up. Better measurements and interdisciplinary studies are needed to determine whether the thickness of the glaciers is changing – and with this the total volume of ice – even where glacier area appears unaffected.
Photo: Alton Byers, The Mountain Institute, 2007
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Khumbu and Imja valleys seen from the upper slopes of Taboche (6367 m). Glacier retreat is a complex phenomenon, and still not enough is known about it. Although it is clear that, in general, glaciers all over the world are shrinking this is not the case everywhere. These photographs from the 1950s and from 2007 indicate that warming has not (yet) led to a dramatic change in ice cover at high altitudes (above 5000 m), where temperatures remain well below zero year round. This could change rapidly as the altitude of the ‘snow line’ gradually moves up. Better measurements and interdisciplinary studies are needed to determine whether the thickness of the glaciers is changing – and with this the total volume of ice – even where glacier area appears unaffected.
Photo: Alton Byers, The Mountain Institute, 2007
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Ice Island
Müller’s team working on a small ice island, formed in the middle of a glacier pond. The men have built a rudimentary ladder to stretch across the icy water to make it easier to cross without getting wet.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Müller’s team working on a small ice island, formed in the middle of a glacier pond. The men have built a rudimentary ladder to stretch across the icy water to make it easier to cross without getting wet.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Swiss Everest Expedition 1956
Swiss and Sherpa members of the 1956 Swiss Everest Expedition rest at a high camp somewhere in the upper Khumbu ice fall. Nepal opened its doors to foreign visitors in 1950. It was now possible for climbing expeditions to come and conquer many of the great Himalayan mountains. The first ones to be scaled were Annapurna (8091 m) in 1950, and Mount Everest (8850 m) in 1953.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Swiss and Sherpa members of the 1956 Swiss Everest Expedition rest at a high camp somewhere in the upper Khumbu ice fall. Nepal opened its doors to foreign visitors in 1950. It was now possible for climbing expeditions to come and conquer many of the great Himalayan mountains. The first ones to be scaled were Annapurna (8091 m) in 1950, and Mount Everest (8850 m) in 1953.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956 Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Glacier Research in the 1950s
A Sherpa from Müller’s team helps out with the research work. His only safety measure is a rope tied with a simple knot. The photographs seen here of the research teams working in the glaciers are unique. They show the methods and techniques used by these teams, as well as their climbing and scientific equipment, which was state of the art for the 1950s.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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JPEG, Grayscale, 300 ppi, 2.7 MB
A Sherpa from Müller’s team helps out with the research work. His only safety measure is a rope tied with a simple knot. The photographs seen here of the research teams working in the glaciers are unique. They show the methods and techniques used by these teams, as well as their climbing and scientific equipment, which was state of the art for the 1950s.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Inspecting the Glaciers
Three members of Müller’s research team stand on a serac to inspect the ice. A serac (originally from the Swiss French word ‘sérac’, a type of crumbly white cheese) is a block or column of ice formed by intersecting crevasses on a glacier. Often house-sized or larger, seracs are dangerous since they may topple with little warning.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Three members of Müller’s research team stand on a serac to inspect the ice. A serac (originally from the Swiss French word ‘sérac’, a type of crumbly white cheese) is a block or column of ice formed by intersecting crevasses on a glacier. Often house-sized or larger, seracs are dangerous since they may topple with little warning.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Crossing a Crevasse
A member of Müller’s scientific research team crosses a crevasse in the Khumbu ice fall using two climbing ropes. Today climbers use aluminium ladders and fixed ropes to cross these crevasses.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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A member of Müller’s scientific research team crosses a crevasse in the Khumbu ice fall using two climbing ropes. Today climbers use aluminium ladders and fixed ropes to cross these crevasses.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Ice Wall in the Khumbu Glacier
One of Müller’s men takes a rest leaning on his ice axe whilst standing high on an ice wall. The man does not have a fixed rope to keep him safe and is relying purely on his crampons (metal spikes worn on the soles of the boots to provide traction on snow and ice) and ice axe to stop him falling.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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One of Müller’s men takes a rest leaning on his ice axe whilst standing high on an ice wall. The man does not have a fixed rope to keep him safe and is relying purely on his crampons (metal spikes worn on the soles of the boots to provide traction on snow and ice) and ice axe to stop him falling.
Photo: Fritz Müller, Khumbu, Nepal, 1956
Courtesy of Jack D. Ives
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Thuli Tamang, 1975
Thuli and her younger sister Nanda are harvesting wheat in the traditional Tamang way. The ripe heads are being cut individually from the stem and put in a basket. The heads are later dried and threshed with a stick.
Photo: Fritz Berger, Dandapakhar, Nepal
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Thuli and her younger sister Nanda are harvesting wheat in the traditional Tamang way. The ripe heads are being cut individually from the stem and put in a basket. The heads are later dried and threshed with a stick.
Photo: Fritz Berger, Dandapakhar, Nepal
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Thuli Tamang, 1996
45-year old Thuli with her grandchild. ‘I only breastfed my three children. I could not afford other baby food.’ Thuli’s husband was in the Nepalese army for seven years, and he now receives a small pension. One year ago, the couple bought a new house. The roof is made of corrugated iron.
Photo: Fritz Berger, Dandapakhar, Nepal
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45-year old Thuli with her grandchild. ‘I only breastfed my three children. I could not afford other baby food.’ Thuli’s husband was in the Nepalese army for seven years, and he now receives a small pension. One year ago, the couple bought a new house. The roof is made of corrugated iron.
Photo: Fritz Berger, Dandapakhar, Nepal
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Dr Bruno Messerli
Professor Dr. Bruno Messerli, born in Belp, Switzerland, in 1931, geographer, scientist, researcher and teacher, played a leading role in establishing the Mountain Chapter of the United Nations' Agenda 21, evidence of his exceptional and tireless commitment to a sustainable development of the world's mountain environments, to the protection of their fragile ecosystems, to the preservation of their heritage, and to raising public awareness of their significance and importance as sources of water, energy, food, recreation, and challenge. Bruno Messerli's numerous publications, scientific papers and books are proof of his continuous endeavours to give geographical research enhanced socio-political relevance.
Prof. Messerli was a key person in advocating for the establishment of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in 1983, and has been following the activities and achievements of the Centre closely. He was a member of the ICIMOD review team in 1990, and spoke at ICIMOD’s ‘21st Anniversary Symposium’ upon the inauguration of the new ICIMOD Headquarters in December 2004, and gave a keynote speech at ICIMOD’s 25th Anniversary Celebration in December 2008. Prof. Messerli served on the ICIMOD Board of Governors between 2006 and 2008.
Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Geography, University of Bern
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Speaker press event
Professor Dr. Bruno Messerli, born in Belp, Switzerland, in 1931, geographer, scientist, researcher and teacher, played a leading role in establishing the Mountain Chapter of the United Nations' Agenda 21, evidence of his exceptional and tireless commitment to a sustainable development of the world's mountain environments, to the protection of their fragile ecosystems, to the preservation of their heritage, and to raising public awareness of their significance and importance as sources of water, energy, food, recreation, and challenge. Bruno Messerli's numerous publications, scientific papers and books are proof of his continuous endeavours to give geographical research enhanced socio-political relevance.
Prof. Messerli was a key person in advocating for the establishment of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in 1983, and has been following the activities and achievements of the Centre closely. He was a member of the ICIMOD review team in 1990, and spoke at ICIMOD’s ‘21st Anniversary Symposium’ upon the inauguration of the new ICIMOD Headquarters in December 2004, and gave a keynote speech at ICIMOD’s 25th Anniversary Celebration in December 2008. Prof. Messerli served on the ICIMOD Board of Governors between 2006 and 2008.
Mr Peter Güller
Mr Peter Güller was born in 1935 in Zurich. After studying at the SFIT, he followed postgraduate studies for two years in Japan in urbanism, architecture and music. He is a specialist in regional development and project evaluation. Mr. Gueller started his career as a Research Manager at the Swiss Federal Institute for Local, Regional and National Planning in 1965. In 1968, he established his own consultancy firm, Synergo, which initially worked for the development of Swiss mountain areas but later combined spatial and traffic planning in Swiss agglomerations and in cities such as Baghdad and Bangkok.
Mr. Gueller was Regent of ICIMOD from 1982 to 1984, and was responsible for establishing ICIMOD in its formative years. He developed the initial work programmes and organised ICIMOD’s first symposium and the Inauguration of the Centre on 5 December 1983. After his return to Switzerland, he was involved in planning and development work in Swiss and foreign (European and Asian) regions and cities as well as research projects for the European Union. Among others Mr Gueller was the Director of the Swiss National Research Programme ‘Cities and Transport’. In 2005, he retired from Synergo, which continues under the leadership of two partners.
Dipl. Architect, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, SFIT
Speaker press event
Speaker press event
Mr Peter Güller was born in 1935 in Zurich. After studying at the SFIT, he followed postgraduate studies for two years in Japan in urbanism, architecture and music. He is a specialist in regional development and project evaluation. Mr. Gueller started his career as a Research Manager at the Swiss Federal Institute for Local, Regional and National Planning in 1965. In 1968, he established his own consultancy firm, Synergo, which initially worked for the development of Swiss mountain areas but later combined spatial and traffic planning in Swiss agglomerations and in cities such as Baghdad and Bangkok.
Mr. Gueller was Regent of ICIMOD from 1982 to 1984, and was responsible for establishing ICIMOD in its formative years. He developed the initial work programmes and organised ICIMOD’s first symposium and the Inauguration of the Centre on 5 December 1983. After his return to Switzerland, he was involved in planning and development work in Swiss and foreign (European and Asian) regions and cities as well as research projects for the European Union. Among others Mr Gueller was the Director of the Swiss National Research Programme ‘Cities and Transport’. In 2005, he retired from Synergo, which continues under the leadership of two partners.
Dr Madhav Karki
Dr. Madhav B Karki, a Nepalese national, has been working as the Deputy Director General, Programmes of ICIMOD since 2005. As a Forest Resources specialist, he has more than 30 years of professional experience in programme development, management, and regional networking for sustainable management and development. Dr Karki has experience in the fields of natural resources management and network development especially in community forestry, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) development, including medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), in South Asia. He has also worked in policy and partnership development areas.
At ICIMOD he is responsible for the management and operation of the programmes and liaises with the Centre’s Integrated Programmes and with the partner organisations, government agencies, bilateral and multilateral organisations and financial partners. Dr Karki holds a PhD in forestry from Michigan State University, and a Master's degree in range management from Colorado State University, USA.
Prior to joining ICIMOD, Dr Karki held various positions in different national and international organisations, including government, university, and donor agencies. Dr. Karki worked as the Regional Programme Coordinator of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Programme in Asia (MAPPA), a multi-donor network based at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada and New Delhi, for about 10 years. He served as Campus Chief and Assistant Dean of the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara; and was Asia Programme Officer at Appropriate Technology International, USA. Dr. Karki has authored and edited over 80 professional papers/articles and books including an ICIMOD publication on community forestry.
Deputy Director General Programmes, ICIMOD
Speaker press event
Speaker press event
Dr. Madhav B Karki, a Nepalese national, has been working as the Deputy Director General, Programmes of ICIMOD since 2005. As a Forest Resources specialist, he has more than 30 years of professional experience in programme development, management, and regional networking for sustainable management and development. Dr Karki has experience in the fields of natural resources management and network development especially in community forestry, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) development, including medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), in South Asia. He has also worked in policy and partnership development areas.
At ICIMOD he is responsible for the management and operation of the programmes and liaises with the Centre’s Integrated Programmes and with the partner organisations, government agencies, bilateral and multilateral organisations and financial partners. Dr Karki holds a PhD in forestry from Michigan State University, and a Master's degree in range management from Colorado State University, USA.
Prior to joining ICIMOD, Dr Karki held various positions in different national and international organisations, including government, university, and donor agencies. Dr. Karki worked as the Regional Programme Coordinator of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Programme in Asia (MAPPA), a multi-donor network based at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada and New Delhi, for about 10 years. He served as Campus Chief and Assistant Dean of the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara; and was Asia Programme Officer at Appropriate Technology International, USA. Dr. Karki has authored and edited over 80 professional papers/articles and books including an ICIMOD publication on community forestry.
Fritz Müller, Photographer
Fritz Müller, born in 1926 near Zurich, Switzerland, was a world famous glaciologist. He led the scientific team accompanying the 1956 Swiss Mount Everest expedition. Although not attached to the climbers, he was tremendously strong and ascended to altitudes of more than 8200 m, helping the high altitude porters carry loads to the South Col “on his day off.” After the expedition he stayed on in the Khumbu region for another nine months, conducting glaciological research living at altitudes above 5000 m – at the time a non- indigenous record.
Müller suffered a fatal heart attack in 1980 at the age of 54 while on the Rhone glacier, protesting the construction of a new hydroelectric facility. He left behind dozens of publications and contributions to our knowledge of arctic and alpine snow and ice, as well as hundreds of photographs of his field work and research assistants that today offer a unique window into the past.
JPEG, Grayscale, 300 ppi, 2.8 MB
Fritz Müller, born in 1926 near Zurich, Switzerland, was a world famous glaciologist. He led the scientific team accompanying the 1956 Swiss Mount Everest expedition. Although not attached to the climbers, he was tremendously strong and ascended to altitudes of more than 8200 m, helping the high altitude porters carry loads to the South Col “on his day off.” After the expedition he stayed on in the Khumbu region for another nine months, conducting glaciological research living at altitudes above 5000 m – at the time a non- indigenous record.
Müller suffered a fatal heart attack in 1980 at the age of 54 while on the Rhone glacier, protesting the construction of a new hydroelectric facility. He left behind dozens of publications and contributions to our knowledge of arctic and alpine snow and ice, as well as hundreds of photographs of his field work and research assistants that today offer a unique window into the past.
Erwin Schneider, Photographer
Erwin Schneider, the Austrian climber-cartographer was one of Europe’s top alpinists in the 1930s. He was a member of the German-Austrian Alpine Club expeditions in Peru in 1933, 1936, and 1939, where he polished his skills as both climber and extraordinary mountain cartographer. He did many first ascents, conducted field work for the Alpenverein maps and authored several books with famous mountain geographer Professor Hans Kinzl.
Between 1955 and 1961, Schneider was involved in a series of cartographic expeditions to the Everest, Langtang, and other regions of Nepal that produced a series of maps funded by the Association for Comparative Alpine Research in Munich. The panoramas used in the ‘Himalaya – Changing Landscapes’ photo exhibition were taken by Schneider from high elevation ‘photo points’ with a special photogrammetric camera used for map making. Schneider died in the late 1980s.
JPEG, Grayscale, 300 ppi, 0.1 MB
Erwin Schneider, the Austrian climber-cartographer was one of Europe’s top alpinists in the 1930s. He was a member of the German-Austrian Alpine Club expeditions in Peru in 1933, 1936, and 1939, where he polished his skills as both climber and extraordinary mountain cartographer. He did many first ascents, conducted field work for the Alpenverein maps and authored several books with famous mountain geographer Professor Hans Kinzl.
Between 1955 and 1961, Schneider was involved in a series of cartographic expeditions to the Everest, Langtang, and other regions of Nepal that produced a series of maps funded by the Association for Comparative Alpine Research in Munich. The panoramas used in the ‘Himalaya – Changing Landscapes’ photo exhibition were taken by Schneider from high elevation ‘photo points’ with a special photogrammetric camera used for map making. Schneider died in the late 1980s.
Toni Hagen, Photographer
Toni Hagen, the Swiss geologist and humanitarian expert, was born in 1917, is regarded as a pioneer in the field of development aid, undertaking missions to the Himalayas, eastern Africa, and South America. He received a Diploma in Engineering and Geology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, and in 1945 as started his career as a Research Assistant at the Geodetic Institute of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, where he interpreted aerial photographs.
As a part of the first Swiss mission to Nepal in 1950 and one of the first foreigners to enter the country, Hagen was instrumental in persuading the Swiss authorities to begin humanitarian assistance to Nepal. He was later appointed geologist for the Government of Nepal and in 1969 carried out the first geological reconnaissance survey of Nepal on behalf of the United Nations. Later, while serving as Director of the Basic Survey Department of Nepal, on behalf of the UN, he carried out aerial surveys, basic planning for roads and construction of hydroelectric power plants, and planned for development in general. Throughout his time in Nepal he recorded the scenes that he saw and the life around him, leaving behind a unique collection of historical photographs.
JPEG, CMYK, 300 ppi, 7.1 MB
Toni Hagen, the Swiss geologist and humanitarian expert, was born in 1917, is regarded as a pioneer in the field of development aid, undertaking missions to the Himalayas, eastern Africa, and South America. He received a Diploma in Engineering and Geology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, and in 1945 as started his career as a Research Assistant at the Geodetic Institute of the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, where he interpreted aerial photographs.
As a part of the first Swiss mission to Nepal in 1950 and one of the first foreigners to enter the country, Hagen was instrumental in persuading the Swiss authorities to begin humanitarian assistance to Nepal. He was later appointed geologist for the Government of Nepal and in 1969 carried out the first geological reconnaissance survey of Nepal on behalf of the United Nations. Later, while serving as Director of the Basic Survey Department of Nepal, on behalf of the UN, he carried out aerial surveys, basic planning for roads and construction of hydroelectric power plants, and planned for development in general. Throughout his time in Nepal he recorded the scenes that he saw and the life around him, leaving behind a unique collection of historical photographs.
Fritz Berger, Photographer
Fritz Berger was born in 1938 in Bern, Switzerland, to a family of farmers. He completed nine years of school and then trained as a gardener. Fritz worked as a planner and horticultural adviser in projects in Pakistan (1982 to 1987), Nepal (1972 to 1978), and Greece (1962 to 1972).
Fritz Berger has been working as a freelance photographer since 1988, based in Berne, Switzerland. His main interest lies in taking pictures of people in their daily lives, with a special focus on global warming and changing landscapes in rural areas. Fritz Berger has had several exhibitions and has published illustrated books and educational materials.
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Fritz Berger was born in 1938 in Bern, Switzerland, to a family of farmers. He completed nine years of school and then trained as a gardener. Fritz worked as a planner and horticultural adviser in projects in Pakistan (1982 to 1987), Nepal (1972 to 1978), and Greece (1962 to 1972).
Fritz Berger has been working as a freelance photographer since 1988, based in Berne, Switzerland. His main interest lies in taking pictures of people in their daily lives, with a special focus on global warming and changing landscapes in rural areas. Fritz Berger has had several exhibitions and has published illustrated books and educational materials.
Alton Byers, Photographer
Alton C. Byers, Ph.D. is a mountain geographer, climber, and photographer specialising in high altitude conservation programmes, applied research, and climate change impacts in the mountains. He received his doctorate from the University of Colorado in 1987. Alton has worked for The Mountain Institute since 1990 in its Asian, Andean, and North American offices and has published widely on a variety of field research topics. His recent awards include the Nature Conservancy’s Mountain Stewardship Award; the American Alpine Club’s David Brower Conservation Award; Association of American Geographer’s Distinguished Career Award; and Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal for “distinguished service to mountain people and environments in remote regions”.
Since 2007 he has directed the Alpine Conservation Partnership project which, in collaboration with the American Alpine Club, works to conserve and restore fragile alpine ecosystems worldwide.
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Alton C. Byers, Ph.D. is a mountain geographer, climber, and photographer specialising in high altitude conservation programmes, applied research, and climate change impacts in the mountains. He received his doctorate from the University of Colorado in 1987. Alton has worked for The Mountain Institute since 1990 in its Asian, Andean, and North American offices and has published widely on a variety of field research topics. His recent awards include the Nature Conservancy’s Mountain Stewardship Award; the American Alpine Club’s David Brower Conservation Award; Association of American Geographer’s Distinguished Career Award; and Sir Edmund Hillary Mountain Legacy Medal for “distinguished service to mountain people and environments in remote regions”.
Since 2007 he has directed the Alpine Conservation Partnership project which, in collaboration with the American Alpine Club, works to conserve and restore fragile alpine ecosystems worldwide.
Alex Treadway, Photographer
Alex Treadway is a designer and a photographer. He studied graphic design and photography in England before moving to Denmark and completing a Masters Degree in Graphic Communication at Denmark’s Design School in Copenhagen. He started his career with the London-based multimedia agency ‘DOGS’, then took a position as senior designer with the web agency ‘Rufus Leonard’ before being appointed creative director for the strategic brand agency ‘Blue Goose’. In 2005 he set up his own company.
Alex has been working and travelling in Asia since 2006 undertaking a wide variety of tasks – including the rebranding of ICIMOD. Alex's photography has appeared in travel magazines around the world including National Geographic Adventure.
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Alex Treadway is a designer and a photographer. He studied graphic design and photography in England before moving to Denmark and completing a Masters Degree in Graphic Communication at Denmark’s Design School in Copenhagen. He started his career with the London-based multimedia agency ‘DOGS’, then took a position as senior designer with the web agency ‘Rufus Leonard’ before being appointed creative director for the strategic brand agency ‘Blue Goose’. In 2005 he set up his own company.
Alex has been working and travelling in Asia since 2006 undertaking a wide variety of tasks – including the rebranding of ICIMOD. Alex's photography has appeared in travel magazines around the world including National Geographic Adventure.
Press event
Monday, October 26, 2009
Waisenhausplatz, Bern
12:30 Welcome by Dr Madhav Karki, Deputy Director General, ICIMOD
12:35 Welcome by Mr Jean-Bernard Dubois, SDC (DEZA)
12:40 Changing Himalaya – Key note address by Prof. Dr. Bruno Messerli and Peter Gueller
13:00 Himalayan finger food, one-to-one interviews
Waisenhausplatz, Bern
12:30 Welcome by Dr Madhav Karki, Deputy Director General, ICIMOD
12:35 Welcome by Mr Jean-Bernard Dubois, SDC (DEZA)
12:40 Changing Himalaya – Key note address by Prof. Dr. Bruno Messerli and Peter Gueller
13:00 Himalayan finger food, one-to-one interviews
Press contact
For more press information or photo material please contact:
Ms. Nira Gurung
ngurung@icimod.org
Phone +977 1 5003222
Fax +977 1 5003299
ICIMOD
GPO Box 3226
Khumaltar
Kathmandu, Nepal
Ms. Nira Gurung
ngurung@icimod.org
Phone +977 1 5003222
Fax +977 1 5003299
ICIMOD
GPO Box 3226
Khumaltar
Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyrights
Use of any of these photos must be accompanied with the proper credits and captions provided on this site. All use must be agreed with ICIMOD prior to publishing. Please contact info@icimod.org for a permission. No content can be passed onto a third party. The permission is for one-time use only; for any additional stories, articles or other form of publication please contact ICIMOD for a new permission. Thank you.
Pressekontakt in Deutsch
Former publications
Nature Magazine, UK
A picture of climate change in the Himalayas
El Pais, Spain
El cambio del Himalaya en los últimos 50 años
Reuters, Global
Exhibit shows impact of climate change on Himalayas
Guardian, UK
Captured on camera: 50 years of climate change in the Himalayas
A picture of climate change in the Himalayas
El Pais, Spain
El cambio del Himalaya en los últimos 50 años
Reuters, Global
Exhibit shows impact of climate change on Himalayas
Guardian, UK
Captured on camera: 50 years of climate change in the Himalayas
Himalaya - Changing Landscapes is a photo exhibtion by ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal.