Annual Report 2006 - Ev-K2-CNR

ar2006 19-09-2007 10:36 Pagina 1 

annual report 

06

ar2006 19-09-2007 10:36 Pagina 2


introduction 

02 

04 

06 

THE EV-K2-CNR COMMITTEE 

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND 

THE EV-K2-CNR COMMITTEE ORGANIGRAM 

INTERNATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENTS 

08 

08 

09 

THE PYRAMID LABORATORY-OBSERVATORY 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

PYRAMID MANAGEMENT 

MAINTENANCE WORKS


HISTORY AND BACKGROUND 

scientific research and replicating the contributions to development 

and valorization of mountain regions matured in the 

Everest area. 

The Committee operates in line with the strategies and commitments 

of CNR regarding: management of research; 

knowledge development; promotion of innovation and 

research networks; and support of public administrations 

and technological solutions that meet the needs of mountain 

populations through capacity building and international 

cooperation. Following these guidelines, about a dozen 

projects are carried out a year, within the framework of 

three-year strategically-planned programs. The results of 

these activities are published on the most important international 

and national scientific journals and presented at international 

congresses (table 1). 

Since 1989, the “Ev-K2-CNR Committee” has been promoting 

and developing research activities in the Hindu Kush 

– Karakorum – Himalaya (HKKH) mountain region. In particular, 

they coordinate the research and technological activities 

carried out at the International Pyramid Laboratory- 

Observatory in Nepal, in the Everest Region. The Laboratory 

was installed with the support of Italian National Research 

Council (CNR) and is managed together with the Nepal 

Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). To date, over 

520 research expeditions (chart A and B) have been carried 

out at the Laboratory, seeing the participation of 220 

researchers from 143 different institutions, such as CNR and 

several Italian and international universities and research 

institutions. 

Recently, the Committee also followed its founder Prof. 

Ardito Desio’s footsteps back to the Pakistani Karakorum, 

with the scientific-mountaineering expedition “K2 2004 – 50 

years later”. Following this successful initiative, the 

Committee decided to strengthen its scientific presence in 

the Northern Areas of Pakistan, exporting its experience in 

Members of the Committee include researchers from CNR 

institutes, Italian and foreign universities and other experts. 

Together, they form a strong network of collaboration operating 

through intergovernmental and inter-institutional 

agreements involving UN Agencies, national scientific institutions 

and NGOs, to ensure the high quality of research and 

optimization of results. 

Thanks to ongoing support from CNR, the Italian Ministry of 

Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Universities 

and Research, and in collaboration with the Ministry of 

Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Agricultural and 

Forestry Policy, Ev-K2-CNR contributes to substantially 

improving the wellbeing, quality of life and economic opportunities 

of mountain populations, while protecting and valorizing 

mountain natural resources. 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee mission is to provide specialized 

scientific support aimed at the sustainable development of 

high altitude remote areas to ensure environmental conservation 

and quality of life for local populations by furthering 

scientific knowledge, transferring scientific results applied to 

sustainable management of mountain regions, pursuing 

capacity building activities, and promoting cooperation in the 

respect of local cultures and traditions. 

2 | 3


chart A 

n. researchers 

and technicians 

chart B 

person/days at 

the Pyramid 

90 - 

80 - 

70 - 

60 - 

50 - 

40 - 

30 - 

20 - 

10 - 

0 - 

90 ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 2006 

2000 - 

1800 - 

1600 - 

1400 - 

1200 - 

1000 - 

800 - 

600 - 

400 - 

200 - 

0 - 

90 ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 2006 

Table 1 

Medicine 

& 

Physiology 

Environmental 

Sciences 

Earth 

Sciences 

Anthropological 

sciences, 

communication 

and 

development 

Clean 

technologies and 

environmental 

management 

systems 

Ev-K2-CNR 

Multidisciplinary 

Project 

Total 

Papers published in journals 

with editorial policy 69 

59 32 

14 

0 

6 

180 

Papers published in other 

journals 

13 

10 

19 

1 

2 

5 

50 

Chapters in books 

9 

15 

12 

15 

0 

2 

53 

Books 

1 

0 

0 

17 

1 

1 

20 

Proceedings of National and 

International Congresses 

26 

39 

35 

10 

5 

6 

121 

Abstracts, posters communications 

presented at National and 

International Congresses 

167 

86 

73 

10 

2 

3 

341 

765 

annual report 2006


THE EV-K2-CNR COMMITTEE ORGANIGRAM 

CNR 

Ev-K 2 -CNR 

Committee 

Scientific Coordinator 

Scientific 

Council 

Network of 

Researchers 

Executive 

Director 

Technical 

office 

Communication 

and Press Office 

Data Acquisition 

Stations 

Manager 

Committee 

Pyramid 

Supervisor 

Committee 

Pyramid 

Supervisor 

Technical & 

Executive 

Secretariat 

Resident 

Representative in 

Kathmandu 

In addition to the Committee’s organizational resources, project 

implementation and management assistance is outsourced 

when needed. One of the Committee’s main service 

providers is the company Mountain Equipe S.r.l., which has a 

contract with CNR for the technical and logistical management 

of the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory. 

4 | 5


The Ev-K2-CNR Committee is a non-profit association which was founded in 1989. 

Its statute organigram (updated to July 2007) is: 

Ev-K2-CNR COMMITTEE 

MEMBERS 

Massimo Antoninetti 

Sandro Lovari 

Marcello Mora 

Anna Milvia Boselli 

Martino Nicoletti 

Annalisa Cogo 

Giorgio Poretti 

Michele Comi 

Claudio Smiraglia 

Agostino Da Polenza 

Gianni Tartari 

Hildegard Diemberger 

Gian Pietro Verza 

Andrea Laganà 

Davide Zulian 

HONORARY PRESIDENTS 

Paolo Cerretelli 

Kurt Diemberger 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Agostino Da Polenza - President 

Davide Zulian - Vice President 

Andrea Lami - Scientific Coordinator 

Marcello Mora - Administration and Finance 

AUDITOR 

Paolo Moro - President 

SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL 

Gianni Tartari - President 

Andrea Lami 


Annalisa Cogo 


Silvano Cavalli 

Paolo Caroli 

TECHNICAL ORGANIZATION AND SECRETARIAT 

Beth Schommer - Executive Director, Ev-K2-CNR Project 

Chiara Belotti - Executive and Technical Secretariat Coordinator 

Elisa Vuillermoz - Technical and Research Assistant, Environmental Sciecnes 

Gian Pietro Verza - Data Acquisition Stations Manager 

Hari Shrestha - Ev-K2-CNR Representative Office, Kathmandu 



INTERNATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENTS 

AGREEMENT TYPE INSTITUTION SUBJECT DATE 

Agreement 

ITALY/EUROPE 

CNR - Institute of Atmospheric Participation in SHARE-Asia Project 

Studies and Climate 

08/04/2005 

Agreement 

Epson Meteo Centre 

Research activities in the field of 

meteorology and modelling 

21/04/2005 

Agreement 

State Forest Department 

Research and monitoring activity in 

Sagarmatha National Park and Central 

Karakorum National Park 

12/10/2005 

Agreement 

University of Milan-Department of 

Earth Sciences”Ardito Desio” 

Research activity in the field of physical 

geography and geomorphology 

21/12/2005 

Agreement 

Italian Institute for Africa and 

East (IsIAO) 

Research activity in the field of archaeology, 

cultural and linguistic anthropology; 

preservation of the cutural, anthropological 

and environmental heritage. 

22/12/2005 

Agreement 

Lerici Foundation 

(Polytechnic of Milan) 

Research activity in the field of 

anthropological, communication and 

development sciences 

28/12/2005 

Agreement 

Polytechnic of Milan Department 

of architecture and planning 

Scientific research in the field of 

technological innovation and training 

activities (Pakistan) 

03/03/2006 

Agreement 

Tapriza Vereign NGO 

Friends of Dolpa NGO 

TASHI D. NGO 

Anthropological research activity 

regarding the Bön traditions in Dolpo 

(Nepal) 


Agreement 

CNR - Water Research Institute 

Environmental research activity in 

remote areas 


Agreement 

Opera 3 Srl 

Project “Sound’s seeds in the autumn of 

power” 


NEPAL 

Addendum to the 

agreement between 

CNR and NAST 

Nepal Academy of Science & 

Technology 

Ev-K 2 -CNR scientific and technicalorganizing 

activities concerning also the 

Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory 

(RENEWAL) 

2/12/2001 

Memorandum of 

Understanding 

WWF-Nepal 

Wildlife research and monitoring activities 

particularly of the snow leopard and 

prey species in Sagarmatha National Park 


Editorial Agreement 

Vajra Publications 

Publication of “CINNABARIS - Series of 

Oriental Studies” collection 


Memorandum of 

Understanding 

Resources Himalaya 

Foundation 

Research regarding climate changes 

impact on vegetation 


6 | 7


AGREEMENT TYPE INSTITUTION SUBJECT DATE 

TIBET 

Letter of Intent 

Tibet Mountaineering 

Department Eco-Himal Italia 

Project ìProfessional training for Tibetan 

mountaineering guidesî 

19/03/2003 

PAKISTAN 

Collaboration agreement 

Pakistan Academy of 

Geological Sciences 

Promotion of joint research projects in 

Karakorum 

26/04/2005 

Memorandum of 

Understanding 

Rural Support Programmes 

Network 

Karakorum Trust Project 

21/07/2005 

Memorandum of 

Understanding 

Mountain Glacier Protection 

Organization 


22/07/2005 

Memorandum of 

Understanding 

Karakorum International 

University, Gilgit 


3/10/2005 

Contract 

Karakorum International 

University, Gilgit 



Memorandum of 

Understanding 

Alpine Club of Pakistan 



Memorandum of 

Understanding 

Aga Khan Rural Support 

Program 



Contract 

Aga Khan Rural Support 

Program 



INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 

Memorandum of 

Understanding 

UNEP Asia Pacific 

Atmospheric Brown Clouds Project 


Contract 

IUCN Asia 

Partnership project ìInstitutional 

Consolidation for the coordinated and 

integrated monitoring of natural 

resources towards sustainable 

Development and Environmental 

Conservation in the Hindu Kush - 

Karakorum - Himalaya Mountain 

Complex 




The Pyramid Observatory Laboratory 

GENERAL INFORMATION 

The Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory high 

altitude scientific research center, dedicated to Prof. Ardito 

Desio, was constructed in 1990 at 5,050 m (16,568 ft.) a.s.l., 

in the Khumbu Valley, Sagarmatha National Park, at the base 

of the Nepali side of Everest. Since then, the Pyramid, managed 

by the Ev-K2-CNR Committee together with the Nepal 

Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), has become a 

unique resource for the international scientific community. 

To date, 520 scientific expeditions have been carried out 

there by 220 researchers of 143 scientific institutions from 

several nations. 

8.40 m (27.56 ft.) high], is equipped with advanced technological 

instrumentation and facilities, including telecommunications 

and internet. It is totally self sufficient, using only 

clean energy sources and providing eco-sustainable systems 

for waste disposal and heating. 

An independent living unit on the south side of the Pyramid, 

built in typical Nepali lodge style, provides living conditions 

which meet the standards of the best alpine huts. Up to 20 

researchers, technicians and logistical staff can be accommodated 

there. 

The three-story glass, aluminium and steel structure, with 

its stable square-based pyramid shape [13.22 m (43.37 ft.) x 

PYRAMID MANAGEMENT 

supervision the daily running of the Laboratory and all systems 

is carried out and scientific instrument checks are performed. 

Starting in March 2006, four new technicians began work at 

the Laboratory. The “team” is now made up of six technicians: 

Norbu Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Pema Sherpa, Tenzing 

Sherpa, Kaji Bista and Laxman Adhikary. The new technicians 

successfully participated in one training course on management 

of the scientific instruments, carried out by Mr. 

Gian Pietro Verza and Ms. Elisa Vuillermoz, and another on 

the general Laboratory management, carried out by Ms. 

Cristina Piolini. 

In early 2006, a new management structure was implemented 

at the Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory, 

entailing a greater involvement of the local staff. A new management 

manual was drawn up in English and Italian. It 

includes the Committee-approved Pyramid regulations, the 

terms of reference for all the Italian and Nepali staff involved 

in management of the Pyramid, the operative protocols to be 

followed for correct management of all activities and systems, 

the forms to be used for inventories, etc. The manual 

also includes the operative protocols for the management of 

the monitoring stations (Automatic Weather Stations, GPS 

station, ABC station, etc.) 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee selects a Manager of Nepali Staff 

from amongst the local personnel. Under this Manager’s 

Having given more responsibilities to the local staff, the 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee now needs to be continuously kept 

up to date on every activity that is carried out as well as any 

problems which may arise. Daily reports sent from the 

Pyramid to Italy and Kathmandu have thus been instated 

along with periodic data and information submissions. 

Weekly video conferences are also carried out between the 

Secretariat in Italy and the Pyramid. 

The new management plan also foresees periodic missions of 

Italian personnel to the Laboratory to oversee and monitor 

the local staff’s performance. In 2006, several visits by a 

“Committee Pyramid Supervisor”, identified by the 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee, were carried out. This role was carried 

out by Ms. Cristina Piolini and Mr. Agostino Da Polenza. 

Mr. Gian Pietro Verza, Data Acquisition Stations Manager, 

also carried out several missions to the Pyramid to monitor 

the local staff’s technical performance and ensure correct 

functioning of the monitoring stations. 

8 | 9


MAINTENANCE WORKS 

In 2006, two non-routine maintenance campaigns were performed 

at the Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory 

and lodge. 

The first campaign was carried out between January and 

March. The objective was to prepare installation of the ABC 

Station (operational since from March 2006), being installed 

within the framework of UNEP sponsored international monitoring 

network. A new photovoltaic system specifically for 

the ABC station was installed and a shelter built to house the 

scientific instruments. During this campaign, the technicians 

also had to deal with unexpected additional work, specifically 

rebuilding the roof of the lodge which was destroyed in a 

wind storm. In order to make it possible to transfer the data 

collected at the ABC-Pyramid station to Italy in real time, a 

VSAT satellite system was also installed. 

The second campaign, held in August and September, was 

aimed at concluding the maintenance works needed to 

reduce the power consumption at the Pyramid and improve 

the sanitary and heating systems to ensure the well-being of 

the Pyramid guests. The heating system was updated and 

and a solar-thermal water heating system was installed 

which also provides an integration to the current heating system. 

The technicians who have been involved in the maintenance 

works were: Guido Salton, Ulisse Frosio, Marco Pesenti, 

Andrea Salton, Daniele Palazzina, Ugo Pegurri, Marco Vallesi, 

Giuseppe Orlandi, Alberto Previtali, Carlo Sacchi and 

Giovanni Spada. 





project carried 

out in 2006 

12 

13 

14 

16 

17 

17 

18 

20 

21 

22 

22 

23 

24 

24 

25 

25 

26 

26 

26 

27 

27 

SHARE - STATIONS AT HIGH ALTITUDE FOR RESEARCH 

ON THE ENVIRONMENT 

METEOCLIMATIC RESEARCH IN ASIA (HIMALAYA AND KARAKORUM) AND AFRICA 

(RUWENZORI) AND STUDY OF THE METEOCLIMATIC CHARACTERISTICS THROUGH 

ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION MODELLING SIMULATIONS 

BACKGROUND AND PULLUTED ATMOSPHERE IN THE HIMALAYA 

LIMNOLOGICAL AND PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN HIGH ALTITUDE 

HIMALAYAN LAKES 

GLACIOLOGICAL MONITORING 

INSTALLATION OF A GPS NETWORK FOR GEODETICAL-ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 

KARAKORUM TRUST 

PARTNERSHIP DSS HKKH 

SNOW LEOPARD 

MEDICINE AND PHYSIOLOGY 

MECHANICS AND ENERGETICS OF UPHILL WALKING WITH LOADS: RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT IN EXTREME CONDITIONS 

EFFECT OF YOGA TRAINING IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE 

PULMONARY DISEASE 

EFFECT OF SLOW BREATHING DURING HIGH ALTITUDE EXPOSURE ON OXYGEN 

SATURATION, RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND AMS SCORE 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 

NATURAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION IN NEPAL: 

HEALTH, TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT. 

RESEARCH, STUDY AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF 

AGRICULTURAL, TOURIST AND ZOOTECHNIC ACTIVITY IN THE NATIONAL PARK 

OF SAGARMATHA (HIMALAYA) 

EARTH SCIENCES 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF GEOLOGICAL TRIM AND CONTINENTAL COLLISION 

PROCESS IN NORTHWEST HIMALAYA AND KARAKORUM 

GLACIOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE K2-GASHERBRUM NORTH SIDE 

ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 

AESTHETICS AND RITUAL IN HIMALAYA 

AESTHETICS OF BODY. PERFORMANCE AND RELIGION IN HIMALAYA 

TRADITION AND INNOVATION: ITINERARIES OF RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN THE HIMALAYAS 

INTIMATE GLANCE THROUGH THE SACRED HIMALAYAN PATH 

HIMALAYAN SOUND LANDSCAPE


SHARE - Stations at High Altitude 

for Research on the Environment 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee promotes and coordinates important 

scientific programs which take into consideration the 

priorities of local, national and international institutions.. 

Project characteristics include an interdisciplinary approach, 

i.e., collaborative research in across research fields and partnership 

with private companies, NGOs, etc. The following 

project themes are those given the highest priority: 

- studying and monitoring global changes 

- sustainable development in the Mount K2 region 

- safeguarding Sagarmatha National Park biodiversity, with 

particular attention paid to the endangered Snow Leopard 

The integrated, multidisciplinary projects carried out by the 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee are: 

- SHARE – Stations at High Altitude for Research on the 

Environment 

- Karakorum Trust 

- Partnership DSS HKKH 

- Snow Leopard 

The other research activities carried out can be divided 

according to their research field: 

- Medicine and Physiology 

- Environmental Sciences 

- Earth Sciences 

- Anthropological Sciences 

The SHARE Project is an interdisciplinary project founded by 

the Ev-K2-CNR Committee for global environmental monitoring 

in high altitude remote areas. Taking advantage of the 

research experiences accumulated in the Himalayan- 

Karakorum region over the past 15 years, the project aims to 

develop an integrated system of measurements which will 

significantly contribute to improving our knowledge of the 

environment. The project furthermore will activate transfer 

of technologies and capacity building to the benefit of local 

communities, so that they may subsequently take the lead in 

environmental management of their region. 

SHARE’s interdisciplinary framework is aimed at addressing a 

series of specific, interrelated themes and is structured so as 

to constitute a homogenous group amongst Environmental 

and Earth Scientists. The knowledge produced within SHARE 

will be beneficial to the environmental scientific community 

as a whole, while however providing specific information 

regarding such topics as: the ocean-land-atmosphere interaction 

mechanisms regulating monsoon climate in the 

Himalaya-Karakorum range in Central Asia; the processes of 

diffusion, transport and interaction of the mountain range 

with the pollutants of the Atmospheric Brown Cloud; and 

the mechanisms which regulate pollution deposition on 

snow and lacustrine sediments there. 

In the fields of geological, seismic, gravimetric and hydrogeological 

sciences, the information collected by the stations of 

the SHARE network will produce data that is needed to 

understand the complex phenomena resulting from the climate 

change related pressures exerted on mountain regions 

already subject to hydrogeological risk. This knowledge will 

be beneficial not just in the Asian region but also on a global 

scale. 

SHARE research activities can be grouped into 3 Thematic 

Areas: 

1. Global changes in high altitude areas 

2. High altitude aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems 

3. Natural hazards in high altitude mountain environments 

These thematic areas comprise several studies with interrelated 

goals and foreseen results which will require and stimulate 

interaction and exchanges across disciplines. The projects 

and activities carried out in 2006 are briefly described 

below. 

12 | 13


METEOCLIMATIC RESEARCH IN ASIA (HIMALAYA 

AND KARAKORUM) AND AFRICA (RUWENZORI) 

AND STUDY OF THE METEOCLIMATIC CHARAC- 

TERISTICS THROUGH ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION 

MODELLING SIMULATIONS 

Principal investigators: Dr. Gianni Tartari – CNR Water 

Research Institute; Dr. Laura Bertolani and Dr. Raffaele 

Salerno - Epson Meteo Centre 

In the Himalayan range a network of 6 Automatic Weather 

Stations (AWSs) has been installed over the last ten years 

(table 2). The stations are located along the Khumbu Valley 

in Nepal from 2,660 to 5,050 m a.s.l. All the stations measure 

the 7 standard parameters of temperature, relative 

humidity, pressure, wind speed and direction, solar radiation 

and precipitation while the stations of Lukla and of the 

Pyramid are equipped also with additional sensors that determine: 

four solar radiation components (shortwave and longwave, 

direct and reflected radiation), soil temperature at -5 

and -20 cm, soil thermal flux, and permittivity. The Pyramid 

station also measures the snow level. 

In Karakorum two standard stations have been installed in 

the Baltistan Region: one at Urdukas campsite (4,000 m 

a.s.l.) on the Baltoro Glacier, and the other in Askole 

(3,000 m a.s.l.). In June 2006 during the anniversary 

celebration of the first summiting of Mt. Ruwenzori, the first 

SHARE AWS in Central-West Africa was installed at 4,500 m 

a.s.l. 

TABLE 2 METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS INSTALLED BY THE EV-K2-CNR COMMITTEE IN NEPAL AND PAKISTAN 

country 

location 

positin 

altitude 

m.a.s.l. 

date of 

installation 

air 

temperature 

Relative 

Humidity 

Pressure 

Wind speed 

and wind 

direction 

Precipitatioe 

Global 

radiationl 

Shortwave 

radiation 

Reflected 

radiation 

Soil thermal 

flux and soil 

moisture 

Nepal 

Pyramid 

27°57’ 32”N 

86° 48’ 46”E 

5050 

1994 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Nepal 

Pyramid 

27 57’ 32.5”N 

86 48’ 47.6”E 

5050 

2001 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Nepal 

Pyramid 

27 57’ 33”N 

86 48’ 46”E 

5050 

2003 

x 

x 

x 

Nepal 

Pheriche 

27 53’ 43.3”N 

86 49’ 07.5”E 

4258 

2002 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Nepal 

Namche 

27 48’ 08.6“N 

86 42’ 52.4”E 

3560 

2002 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Nepal 

Lukla 

27° 41’ 48” N 

86° 43’ 17” E 

2660 

2003 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Pakistan 

Urdukas 

35° 43' 41"N 

76° 17' 10"E 

3926 

2004 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

Pakistan 

Askole 

35° 40' 56,8''N 

75° 48' 58,4''E 

3015 

2005 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 

x 





The Ev-K2-CNR Committee participates in the project CEOP 

(Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period) since 2001 with a 

reference site (Pyramid AWS, at 5,050 m a.s.l) and with three 

more complementary stations installed along the Khumbu 

Valley (Nepal) from 2,660 to 4,260 m a.s.l. CEOP is a project 

developed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 

to understand and model the influence of hydroclimate 

processes on global atmospheric circulation and on modifications 

of water resources availability and to study the interactions 

between aerosols and the water cycle. In the second 

phase of the project, which will start in 2007, the AWSs 

installed in Pakistan will be included in the CEOP network. 

in particular: the behaviour of hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic 

models in a complex topography at different resolutions, 

applied to ideal and real case studies, convection and the 

orographic wave, the effect on temporal integration scheme, 

the implementation of horizontal resolution of some km to 

describe local circulation, effects at the surface and precipitation, 

compared with local and satellite observations. In 2001 

CEM began using instruments to study meteo-climatic characteristics 

in the Himalayan Region through atmospheric circulation 

modelling simulation, in line with the CEOP strategy 

recommending the integrated use of different data sources 

(models, satellites, ground based stations). 

The data collected from the AWSs are validated by the Epson 

Meteo Centre (CEM) which also performs modelling studies 

using mesoscale regional models. They have been analysing 

BACKGROUND AND POLLUTED ATMOSPHERE IN THE HIMALAYA 

Principal investigator: Dr. Paolo Bonasoni – CNR Institute of 

Atmosphere Sciences and Climate 

Since February 2006 the ABC-Pyramid station is operative at 

5,079 m a.s.l. near the Pyramid International Laboratory 

Observatory in Nepal, carrying out several measurements, as 

reported in table 3. 

Figure 8 The map of ABC observatories deployment, including the 

Maldives Climate Observatory-Hanimaadhoo (MCO-H), the 

Maldives Climate Observatory-Gan (MCO-G), the Indian Climate 

Observatory-Pune (ICo-P), the Indian Climate Observatory- 

Kharagpur (ICO-K), the Nepal Climate Observatory-GVR (NCO-G), 

the Nepal Climate Observatory-Pyramid (NCO-P), the Thailand 

Climate Observatory-Phimai (TCO-P), the Japan Climate 

Observatory-Okinawa (JCO-O), the Korea Climate Observatory- 

Gosan (KCO-G), the Pacific Climate Observatory-Momote (PCO- 

MT), the Pacific Climate Observatory-Midway (PCO-MW), the 

Pacific Climate Observatory-MaunaLoa (PCO-ML). and the 

National Atmosphere and Climate Observatory-Trinidad Head 

(NACO-T) 

The station is part of the International UNEP-ABC Project and 

NASA/GSFC-AERONET Network. 

ABC (Project Atmospheric Brown Clouds) is a project promoted 

by the United Nations Environment Programme 

(UNEP) that aims to implement an aerosol and pollutants 

species monitoring network to study their impact on the 

physical-climate system at a regional and global scale, as well 

as on agriculture and human health. AERONET (AErosol 

RObotic NETwork) is a NASA monitoring network of more 

than 100 sun photometers around the world. Data are sent 

from the stations in real time to the NASA-AERONET website. 

The main objective of the project is to analyze aerosol optical 

properties and validate aerosol satellite measurements. 

The GAW project is also interested in including this observatory 

in its network as a “Contributing GAW station”. GAW 

(Global Atmosphere Watch) is a WMO Project which aims to 

contribute to the study of environmental problems through 

chemical-physics atmospheric measurements on a regional 

and global scale. 

Implementation of this laboratory able to perform continuous 

measurements of atmospheric compounds (aerosol, 

trace gases…) at high altitude has been made possible 

thanks to the collaboration between Ev-K 2 -CNR, CNR-ISAC 

14 | 15


and CNRS- Université Blaise Pascal and Urbino University. 

The energy needed to ensure functioning of the instruments 

is provided by a dedicated power supply system made up of 

14 fields of 8 groups of solar panels, each able to produce a 

total power of 16.8 kW. The energy accumulation system is 

made up of 120 batteries of 48 V-2.500 Ah. Instrument 

functioning, battery status and other information on laboratory 

conditions are remote controlled thanks to the implementation 

of a dedicated telecontrolled system and data 

transfer. The parameters measured are sent in real time to 

http://evk2.isac.cnr.it/realtime.html via satellite connection. 

In Autumn 2006 an external webcam was installed at the 

ABC station. The webcam is also remote controlled and is 

used for checking the instruments in real time. 

The first 8 months of activity confirmed that the non negligible 

presence of pollutants (particulate and black carbon) concentrations 

in the Himalayan region at 5.000 m a.s.l. during 

monsoon season. The presence of air masses rich in mineral 

aerosols coming from the desert, and events connected to 

the Stratospheric-Tropospheric Exchange phenomena with 

the intrusion of high ozone concentration have also been 

identified and monitored. INRiM activities, within their 

RATEAP Project have furthermore made it possible to obtain 

indications on composition and concentration of metals 

found in high altitude atmospheric particulate matter. 

TABLE 3 - MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED BY THE ABC-PYRAMID OBSERVATORY, PART OF THE 

ABC-UNEP PROJECT 

Measured parameter air temperature Reflected radiation 

Aerosol number concentration and 

size distribution (10nm to 32µm) 

Black carbon concentration 

Total and back scattering coefficient 

Aerosol optical depth 

Surface ozone concentrations 

Greenhouse gases concentration 

Chemical mass closure of aerosol 

Meteorological parameters 

Trace Element concentration 

DMPS/SMPS, OPC-GRIMM 190 

Multi Angle Absorption Photometer 

INTEGRATING NEPHELOMETER-TSI 3563 

CIMEL 

THERMO 49C 

Flask sampling 

Filter sampling 

VAISALA WAS-425 

Filter sampling 

continous 

continous 

continous 

continous 

continous 

continous 

continous 

continous 

discrete 





LIMNOLOGICAL AND PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL 

RESEARCH IN HIGH ALTITUDE HIMALAYAN LAKES 

Principal investigator: Dr. Andrea Lami, CNR – Institute of 

Ecosystem Study 

Lakes ecosystem in the remote regions are especially important 

for their vulnerability to air pollution which make them 

excellent sensors of environmental change. This project is 

focused on climate change, and on the need to understand 

how biological communities respond to climate variability on 

a range of different time-scales (inter-annual, decadal, and 

secular). The sediment record can be used to evaluate both 

short and long-term variability in climate patterns, necessary 

both for the interpretation of past climate and as a baseline 

to asses the impact of future warming. 

The research, begun about 10 years ago, is carried out 

thought the periodic monitoring of the most representative 

Lakes of the Sagarmatha National Park. During the field 

work activity several lakes located between 4,500 and 5,500 

m a.s.l. are annually sampled for chemical and biological 

analysis of lake water and their sediments. In most of the 

lakes a mini-thermistor data logger to record the lake water 

surface temperature year cycle was also installed. A special 

study was carried on lakes LCN 09 and LCN 10 (located near 

he Pyramid Laboratory). In these two lakes a mini-thermistor 

data logger chain was installed and sediment cores of ca. 60 

cm in length were collected. All the samples collected are 

transported back to Italy for analysis. 

In 2006 the lakes of the Pyramid were included in the LTER- 

Italy. After its inception in 1993, the ILTER (International Long 

Term Ecological Research Network) programs rapidly expanded, 

demonstrating a greater importance being given to long 

term research activities for the evaluation of complex environmental 

problems. In this context, a group of Italian scientists 

implemented a national network, LTER-Italy, which is 

made up of a consortium of promoting institutes like: the 

Ministry of Forestry, CNR and Italian Universities. The LTER- 

Italy network includes many Italian ecological sites but also 

the Pyramid Lakes. 

The main aims of this initiative can be summarized as follows: 

(i) promote collaboration and coordination between 

researchers and ecological networks at the local, regional 

and global scale; (ii) improve the comparability of long term 

ecological data collected in different parts of the Earth and 

facilitate exchange and conservation of these data; (iii) provide 

the scientific information to researchers, policy makers 

and communities for the development of methodologies for 

ecosystem management and responding to the needs of 

decision makers; (iv) facilitate research training and knowledge 

transfer. 

16 | 17


GLACIOLOGICAL MONITORING 

Principal investigator: Prof. Giorgio Vassena – University of 

Brescia 

The main topic of the research is continual monitoring of the 

deformations of the Himalayan glaciers located near the 

Pyramid Laboratory, using GPS, remote sensing and terrestrial 

laser scanning surveying. In 2006, field activities were carried 

out on Lobuche glacier close to the Pyramid Laboratory. 

Its steep front of ice makes classical topographic or GPS surveying 

impossible so the researchers decided to use remote 

survey techniques, placing a long distance laser scanner on 

the moraine in front to the glacier and collecting points to 

describe the glacier shape and movements. About 43,000 

points have been collected in two different acquisition sessions. 

Retro reflective targets have been measured using laser 

scanner and GPS static survey to translate the survey into the 

same reference system of previous observations. A 3D model 

of the ice mass will be made using specific mathematical 

instruments. On the Khumbu glacier, special photogrammetric 

applications have been carried out. A special camera 

assembled on a kite structure took pictures of a small area of 

the glacier (about 1 hectare). Fifteen points have also been 

measured with GPS static survey. Collecting image documentation, 

the researchers made also an inspection of the 

Changri Nup Glacier status focusing on both on overview 

and local ice front condition. 

INSTALLATION OF A GPS NETWORK FOR 

GEODETICAL-ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 

Principal investigator: Prof. Giorgio Poretti – University of 

Trieste 

The first GPS Station was installed near the Pyramid 

Laboratory-Observatory in 2002. Between 2003 and 2004 

the station registered data for over 6 months. This first temporary 

installation allowed to obtain sufficient data to judge 

the appropriateness of the site chosen in 1991, linked to the 

Doris system antenna at the Pyramid and used as a reference 

point for several surveys over the last 10 years. 

From the analysis of the recorded data it has been decided to 

relocate the station to a final destination on a nearby point 

offering a better view of the sky. The data from the new 

location were correlated to those collected at the present 

point with a suitable session of measurements during the 

month of October 2006. 

Prof. Giorgio Poretti and Dr. Massimiliano Poretti carried out 

an expedition to the Pyramid International Laboratory 

Observatory in September 2006 in order to restore GPS permanent 

station, which was in Italy for some tests, and to 

transfer it to the new position. 



KARAKORUM TRUST 

Karakorum Trust is a project through which sustainable 

development interventions in the Northern Areas of Pakistan 

are carried out, ensuring their harmonization with pre-existing 

initiatives. The resulting coordinated systemic group of 

initiatives is aimed at improving the standards of living of the 

populations in the Northern Areas, with special reference to 

the areas surrounding the Central Karakoram National Park 

(CKNP) - whose symbol is K2, “The Italians’ Mountain”. In 

addition, Karakorum Trust promotes programmes for the 

preservation and valorization of the region’s environmental, 

cultural and architectural heritage. 

The project takes into consideration some of the objectives 

identified in the “Millenium Development Goals”which most 

United Nations member states have committed themselves 

to reach by 2015. 

Karakorum Trust is in line with the indications recently 

expressed by the Italian Government and the MIUR 

(Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca – 

Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research) 

regarding the application of Italian scientific research to 

socio-economic processes, a core task being participation in 

global sustainable development processes. The implementa- 

18 | 19


tion of the project through CNR reinforces the interaction 

between Italian research institutions and the Government’s 

political action. The MIUR and MAE (Ministero degli Affari 

Esteri – Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) are in fact increasingly 

oriented towards development of international cooperation 

activities with a scientific basis. 

As far as the current status of the single initiatives within the 

Karakorum Trust framework is concerned, the main achievements 

of 2006 can be summarized as follows: 

- The EARTH system (Ecological Activity for Refuse Treatment 

in High altitude©) has been developed in collaboration with 

Actelios of the Italian Industrial Group Falck. A prototype was 

made and tested in Italy on Plateau Rosa at an altitude of 

3,400 metres a. s. l.. The unit, which is completely environment 

friendly, was presented at a press conference on July 

26, 2006 and will be first installed in 2007 in the Northern 

Areas of Pakistan (Askole Village, Braldo Valley) and then in 

Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. 

- Within the framework of the Karakorum Trust programme, 

the Ev-K 2 -CNR Committee and the Alpine Club of Pakistan 

organized a clean-up expedition of the Baltoro Glacier. The 

waste collected, totalling over 3 tons of solid material, have 

been stored near Askole Village (Braldo Valley, Northern 

Areas of Pakistan), where the EARTH unit will be installed in 

2007; 

- A programme for improving the dwellings of the Braldo 

Valley was formulated by the Ev-K 2 -CNR Committee, in collaboration 

with Milan Polytechnic, the Italian Institute for 

Africa and the East and agencies of the Aga Khan 

Foundation. The programme, to be implemented in 2007, 

may also include the creation of a development fund (adopting 

typical microfinance mechanisms ), to enhance the effectiveness 

of existing financial resources and benifitting from 

the participation of local communities; 

- An operational agreement was finalised with Karakurum 

International University in Gilgit, regarding training and 

involvement of Pakistani Academic Staff in the international 

research projects implemented by the Ev-K?-CNR 

Committee; 

- A project for the creation of a centre for the analysis, processing 

and distribution of gemstones at the Karakurum 

International University of Gilgit, in collaboration with the 

I.G.I. (Italian Gemological Institute) in Milan was developed. 

Ten graduates of Gilgit University will be selected in 2007 

and trained at the Italian Gemological Institute of Milan in 

the analysis and cutting of coloured gemstones. The aim of 

the project is the consolidation of professional, technical and 

entrepreneurial skills, a future catalyst of sustainable economic 

development; 

- Drafts of Memoranda of Understanding with the Pakistan 

Meteorological Department and WWF Pakistan have been 

prepared and discussed. The agreement with WWF Pakistan 

regards joint activities to be carried out in support of the 

CKNP management plan development and implementation; 

- A draft for a Memorandum of Understanding between the 

Ev-K 2 -CNR Committee and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs 

and Northern Areas has been discussed with the Joint 

Secretary, aimed at establishing a collaboration within the 

framework of the Karakorum Trust Programme. The MoU 

will be finalised in 2007. 

- A project for the creation of a reception point/campsite at 

the main access point to the Baltoro Glacier (“The Baltoro 

Gate”) was drawn up in collaboration with the Department 

of Design and Architecture of Milan Polytechnic. Preliminary 

activities (planting of trees – 20,000 willows and poplars – 

and creating a water supply) are currently underway, thanks 

to collaboration with the local communities and stakeholders 

such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme; 

- The first course for Trekking Leaders, organized in partnership 

with the Alpine Club of Pakistan, was conducted in 

December 2006. The course was much appreciated by 

Pakistan’s Ministry of Tourism and by local communities. 

More courses will be held in 2007; 



Partnership DSS HKKH 

The Regional Partnership Project “Institutional Consolidation 

for the Coordinated and Integrated Monitoring of Natural 

Resources towards Sustainable Development and 

Environmental Conservation in the Hindu Kush-Karakoram- 

Himalaya region”, conceived by the Ev-K?-CNR Committee 

and implemented in partnership with The World 

Conservation Union (IUCN), the International Center for 

Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and 

Cooperazione e Sviluppo (CESVI), is supported by the Italian 

Cooperation and was approved by the UN as a Type II outcome 

of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable 

Development. The Partnership’s aim is to consolidate and 

reinforce institutional capacity to coordinate, plan and manage 

natural resources of mountain environments, in particular 

mountain parks and protected areas, on a local, national 

and regional level. Tools and instruments will be provided to 

facilitate the consistency of systemic planning and management 

actions in three national parks of the Hindu-Kush- 

Karakorum- Himalaya (HKKH) region: the Sagarmatha 

National Park in Nepal, the Central Karakoram National Park 

in Pakistan and the Qomolangma Nature Preserve in Tibet 

Autonomous Region of PR China. Such tools include: a coordinated 

system for collection and analysis of natural resource 

data; knowledge of local populations and development of 

their participatory, decisional and operational capacities; 

transfer of technologies for the systemic management of 

data for use by decision makers. 

During a project pilot phase initiated in 2004, the project 

team successfully carried out a preliminary technical appraisal, 

workshops, training and exchange visits between the 

Nepali and Pakistani parks, preliminary natural resource management 

capacity assessments, and a first draft of the decision 

support methodology. Since the launch of the main 

phase in early 2006, detailed scoping missions to the 

Sagarmatha National Park and the Central Karakoram 

National Park have been carried out, relationships with institutional 

and local counterparts established, research priorities 

identified and proposals for priority research drawn up, 

including: waste, water, energy, forests and tourism impact. 

As for the development of the Decision Support System (DSS) 

toolbox itself, a preliminary user requirement analysis has 

been carried out, followed by a preliminary design of the system 

and an assessment of alternative software development 

options. Development of a Knowledge Base is underway and 

a preliminary analysis of the Sagarmatha National Park management 

system, including an initial qualitative ecosystem 

model and a demo simulation model, has been completed. 

Upcoming steps in 2007 include a Scenario Planning 

Workshop and a Modeling Workshop involving key stakeholders 

in March and the first scoping mission to the protected 

area in Tibet in May. Communication and outreach efforts 

are also planned with specific reference to the Sagarmatha 

National Park. In this next phase, Ev-K2-CNR intends to continue 

optimizing development and transfer of research outputs 

to the benefit of the local decision makers by increasingly 

tailoring its studies to the needs of the Park managers. This 

will be accomplished by continuing its ongoing ecosystemlevel 

monitoring activity in the Sagarmatha National Park and 

facilitating the participation of Italian and Nepali researchers 

in DSS development activities. Results of research will be 

channelled into the DSS system through a “Research 

Gateway” tool, consultable by stakeholders and decision 

makers. The ensuing research system should be capable not 

only of filling the existing research gaps in a coordinated and 

integrated way but, more importantly, to respond to local 

needs, without duplicating or overlapping with existing or 

past research. Despite obstacles inherent to a project as complex 

as this, such as difficulties in communication amongst 

partners and establishing synergic relationships with the 

stakeholders, the project is confident in its ability meet its 

goals. 

20 | 21


Snow LEOPARD 

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY: THE LARGE MAM- 

MAL COMMUNITY AND STRUCTURE OF THE BIRD COM- 

MUNITY IN SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK (NEPAL) - 

VANISHING TRACKS ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD 

Principal investigator: Prof. Sandro Lovari – University of 

Siena 

The recent unexpected opportunity arising from sightings 

and photographs of the snow leopard made by the Ev-K 2 - 

CNR research team coordinated by Prof. Lovari (2003, 2004) 

led to development of a study aimed at understanding the 

manner and impacts of the snow leopard’s return to the 

Sagarmatha National Park. 

The snow leopard is an endangered species essentially 

because of three reasons. The first one is the human presence 

in the area. Altering its natural habitat and hunting its 

wild prey, men have in some way forced great predators like 

the snow leopard to replace their usual prey with livestock, 

causing persecutionary reactions. This species has also the 

problem of living in semi-desert and fragile ecosystems(like 

mountains and plateaus of Central Asia), with low resources 

available. Furthermore, global warming is threatening all the 

species living in cold environments, favouring their substitution 

with competitors specialized to live in warmer ecosystems. 

The objectives of the project are: 

- To assess the effects of the return of the snow leopard on 

its wild prey populations (Himalayan tahr, musk deer, large 

pheasants). 

- To estimate the present numbers of snow leopards, 

Himalayan tahr and musk deer in Sagarmatha National Park. 

- To collect data on the movements and habitat use of snow 

leopard, possibly through GIS analysis and remote sensing 

(using satellite radiotracking data). 

- To develop initiatives to make the return of the snow 

leopard acceptable to the local human community. 

- To suggest adequate management measures to prevent/ 

discourage predation of snow leopard on livestock. 

For the implementation of the project, a collaboration agreement 

with WWF Nepal was signed in March 2006. 

Two Nepali assistants were also hired for performing periodic 

field surveys to record the presence of the Snow Leopard 

and its prey species following a predefined provisional 

itinerary from Gokyo to Pheriche, going through Phortse, 

Pangboche and Namche. 

The main study area lies between the villages of Namche 

(3,440 m a.s.l.) and Phortse (3,849 m a.s.l.), as well as Gokyo 

Lake (4,750 m a.s.l.), where a minimum density of 1-3 snow 

leopards/100 Km2 has been estimated. This area encompasses 

the upper catchment of the Dudh Kosi river (Bothe Kosi 

and Imja Khola streams), as well as the lower part of the 

Cho-Oyu Valley. 

Prof. Lovari’s research group carried out two expeditions in 

the Sagarmatha National Park in 2006, concentrating on the 

areas around Namche, Thyangboche, Pangboche, Phortse, 

Thore, Gokyo, Phortse Drengka and Thame. Along the 

routes, scats of the snow leopard were identified and all 

other signs of presence and markings (pugmarks, scrapes, 

cheek rubbing, scent sprayed rocks) were recorded as well as 

prey species such as Himalayan tahr, musk deer, pheasants 

and livestock. 

The same procedure was carried out along known itineraries 

(transects), which had been previously selected as being optimal 

habitats for the snow leopard (e.g. ridges) or representing 

high density marking spots from earlier sampling. 



Medicine and physiology 

MECHANICS AND ENERGETICS OF UPHILL WALKING 

WITH LOADS: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN 

EXTREME CONDITIONS 

Principal investigator: Prof. Alberto Minetti - Istituto di 

Fisiologia Umana I, Universitá di Milano, Italy 

The aim of this project is to determine subjects’ locomotive 

attitudes (both caucasian mountaineers and native porters) 

while climbing in extreme conditions due to a reduced quantity 

of oxygen and to the weights carried by the subjects. Five 

Nepalese porters and 5 caucasian mountaineers have been 

tested in the field experiments. They were asked to walk 

uphill and downhill along a monotonic path (22% gradient) 

without any extra load and while carrying 40 kg of stones in 

their doko/rucksack, in Namche-Bazar at 3,500 m asl. 

Subjects were instrumented with a portable EMG recording 

device and 14 electrodes located both on postural and 

propulsive muscles of one side of the body. They also carried 

a GPS and a portable metabograph equipped with a heart 

monitor. The mean EMG activity was obtained by integrating 

the signal over the entire test, then by adjusting for skin 

thickness and for individual muscle volume. The researchers 

are analysing the acquired data in order to draw conclusions 

on Nepalese porters’ skills and responses concerning loaded 

climbing. 

EFFECT OF YOGA TRAINING IN PATIENTS SUFFERING 

FROM CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE 

Principal investigators: Prof. Annalisa Cogo – University of 

Ferrara; Prof. Tara Man Amatya - Tribhuvan University, 

Kathmandu 

The project aimed to verify the hypothesis that breathing 

techniques that promote diaphragmatic breathing and create 

a profound sense of relaxation (as some yoga techniques) 

can be useful in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic 

obstructive pulmonary disease improving ventilatory pattern 

and oxygen saturation. For the experiment a Yoga teacher 

and twelve subjects were recruited. All the participants were 

subjected to several medical tests (electrocardiogram, oxygen 

saturation) and breathing exercises. The acquired data are 

being analyzed at the University of Ferrara. 

22 | 23


EFFECT OF SLOW BREATHING DURING HIGH ALTI- 

TUDE EXPOSURE ON OXYGEN SATURATION, 

RESPIRATORY FUNCTION AND AMS SCORE. 

Principal investigator: Dr. Luciano Bernardi – University of 

Pavia 

Slow breathing (around 6/min) has been recently shown to 

give better ventilation efficiency and higher oxygen saturation 

in subject exposed to hypoxia and in subjects with certain 

diseases. The hypothesis of the project implicates that 

the adoption slow breathing during high altitude trekking 

can improve acclimatization. The tests were carried out at 

different altitudes: at sea level, along the Khumbu Valley and 

at the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory. All subjects were 

evaluated by means of lung function test (slow and forced 

spirometry, maximal and partial flow volume curve, closing 

volume and respiratory oscillatory resistance); bioimpedance; 

ventilatory pattern monitoring and oxygen saturation monitoring. 

At sea level and at 5,050 m a.s.l. the subjects performed 

a maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test while monitoring 

ventilatory patterns. Urine and blood samples were 

collected for subsequent measure of indirect indices of 

endothelial permeability, inflammatory mediators and circulating 

progenitors stem cells. 

Seven Italian researchers took part at the mission: Prof. 

Luciano Bernardi, Dr. Marta Agnesi, Prof. Claudio Passino, Dr. 

Valter Fasano, Dr. Daniela Bonardi, Dr. Giuseppe Morici and 

Dr. Gabriele Valli. 



Environmental Sciences 

NATURAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE 

DEVELOPMENT EVALUATION IN NEPAL: HEALTH, 

TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT. 

Principal investigator: Prof. Alberto Baroni – University of 

Padova 

The aims of the project are to evaluate the sustainability and 

quality of tourism in Manang area though indicators and 

anticipatory models of the carrying capacity, and to analyze 

the tourism impact on the ecosystem health, with particular 

attention to water quality and socio-economics conditions. 

In September 2006, Prof. Anna Milvia Boselli carried out a 

preliminary mission in Kathmandu, along with the Vice- 

Chancellor of Padua University, in order to collect demographic, 

socioeconomic, cultural and environmental data in 

preparation for the field work to be carried out in the 

Manang Valley. 

In the framework of this project, the University of Padua 

organized, in collaboration with the Ev-K?-CNR Committee, 

a multidisciplinary course for Master Degree students in natural 

science that took place in spring 2006 along the 

Khumbu Valley and at the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory. 

In addition to the Padua University group, made up of 11 students 

and 4 Italian teachers, the Nepalese researcher Suresh 

Subedi of the Tribhuvan University participated in the course 

and Dr. Dinesh Bhuju organized some theoretical lessons in 

Kathmandu. 

RESEARCH, STUDY AND EVALUATION OF ENVI- 

RONMENTAL IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL, 

TOURIST AND ZOOTECHNIC ACTIVITY IN THE 

NATIONAL PARK OF SAGARMATHA (HIMALAYA) 

Principal investigator: Prof. Fabrizio Luciani – University of 

Perugia 

Dr. Silvia Micheli of the research group coordinated by Prof. 

Fabrizio Luciani carried out a mission in Nepal, Namche 

Bazaar area, in October. Aim of the field work was development 

of a model for evaluating the anthropogenic impact of 

tourism in mountain areas, in order to ensure a process of 

sustainable development. The sustainable local use of 

resources was also evaluated through collection of information 

on agriculture and livestock, and use of fields and pastures. 

24 | 25


Earth Sciences 

Research groups leaded by Prof. Claudio Smiraglia, Earth 

Sciences Department of the University of Milan, and Prof. 

Franco Rolfo, Mineralogical and Petrologic Sciences 

Department of the University of Torino, organized an expedition 

to North China in Gasherbrum and K2 areas (Shaksgam 

Valley), in July, in order to carry out the following glaciological 

and geological research programs: 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF GEOLOGICAL 

TRIM AND CONTINENTAL COLLISION PROCESS IN 

NORTHWEST HIMALAYA AND KARAKORUM 

Principal investigator: Prof. Franco Rolfo – University of 

Torino 

The aim of this research project was to complete the already 

available information about the geological asset in Northern 

regions of Karakorum. The specific objectives were to complete 

the geologic mapping of the area and to define the 

tectonometamorphic and magmatic evolution of basement 

units occurring in area. 

During the field campaign, carried out by Prof. Franco Rolfo 

and Dr. Chiara Groppo, the geological asset was defined and 

metamorphic rocks were collected along the Aghil Chain to 

the Shaksgam Valley. The preliminary analysis showed the 

presence of low-grade metamorphic rocks (principally 

metabasic, phyllite schist and subordinated conglomerates 

and quartzite) and associated magmatic rocks (granitoids 

and granodiorites with subordinated gabbroic), involved in 

deforming processes probably linked to the recent structure 

of the Aghil Chain and to its deformation along the 

Karakorum fault. 

GLACIOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE 

K2-GASHERBRUM NORTH SIDE 

Principal investigator: Prof. Claudio Smiraglia – University of 

Milan 

The expedition to the North side of Gasherbrum, Karakoram 

was designed to investigate the conditions on Urdok glacier, 

which is fed from the northern and eastern slopes of 

Gasherbrum I, installing a network of stakes on the ablation 

zone and digging snow pits in the accumulation zone. 

Especially the determination of accumulation would increase 

the knowledge about glacier conditions and dynamics, due 

to the an almost complete lack of such data in the 

Karakoram to date. As members of the glaciological team, 

Christoph Mayer from the Commission for Glaciology in 

Munich and Astrid Lambrecht from the Institute for 

Meteorology in Innsbruck, took part. In order to have the 

necessary reference data a simple weather station and a GPS 

master station were installed at the base camp close to the 

snout of Urdok glacier. In total 17 stakes were drilled in the 

lower part of Urdok glacier forming three groups. First were 

7 stakes in the lowermost part of the glacier providing information 

about ice ablation under the debris cover, changes in 

debris thickness during the expedition, ice velocity and ice 

temperature and temperature gradients at some of the 

stakes. 

In addition, six stakes were drilled into a higher part of the 

ablation zone, for investigation of a more active zone of the 

glacier. Here, the same measurements have been carried out 

as in the lower profile. The third group of stakes (four stakes) 

was placed for a special experiment, investigating the formation 

of the large ice pinnacles, which are a characteristic feature 

of glaciers in this area. 



Anthropological Sciences 

AESTHETICS AND RITUAL IN HIMALAYA 

Principal investigator: Dr. Martino Nicoletti – Ev-K 2 -CNR 

Committee 

The project aims to study some specific Himalayan cultural 

aspects and the relationship between art and rituality 

focussing in particular on music. The research was carried out 

in Nepal, Laos and Pakistan. 

Southern Laos: the research was focused on the study of 

the traditional musical heritage of the Champasak region. 

The researcher interviewed traditional musicians and collected 

documentation about traditional music instruments and 

photographic and video documentation of performances. 

Northern Laos: Dr. Nicoletti carried out a survey in Luang 

Prabhang district, the ancient capital city of northern Laos 

and the seat of one of the most important and active monastic 

Buddhist centres. The researches in Luang Prabhang 

focussed on the holy Pu-si area study, a holy mountain situated 

at the confluence between the Mekong and another 

important river. 

Nepal - Kathmandu Valley: the research was focused on 

some specific musical Himalayan heritages: the musical tradition 

of Tibetan bon-po of Triten Norbutse monastery, the 

Newar traditional music in Kathmandu Valley and the religious 

tradition of Gandarwa in central Nepal. 

Eastern Nepal: the research, carried out in Solukhumbu, 

aimed to study and document the ritual Kulunge Rai activity 

and the shamanic pilgrims to the holy mountains. 

Pakistan: the research, carried out in Chitral region, aimed 

at collecting data on Kalasha rituality in Birir Valley (central 

Chitral) and in particular on the holyday cycle linked to winter 

solstice and the traditional music of Chitral district within 

Sunnite and Ishmaelitish cultural sphere. 

AESTHETICS OF BODY. 

PERFORMANCE AND RELIGION IN HIMALAYA 

Principal investigator: Dr. Alessandra Campoli – University of 

Rome 

The project aims to analyse the corporeity within the female 

shamanic universe. The field activities were carried out in 

Bagmati district and in Kathmandu Valley. 

The activities carried out in Bagmati district were addressed 

to the collection of documentations regarding the rituals 

officiated by Tamang group in occasion of December full 

moon in honour of Kali Devi. During the permanence in 

Kathmandu Valley, the researcher collected and catalogued 

some religious objects that will be exhibited at the National 

Museum of Oriental Arts in Rome. 

Collaboration with the Women’s Foundation was also initiated. 

TRADITION AND INNOVATION: ITINERARIES OF 

RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IN THE HIMALAYAS 

Principal investigator: Dr. Federica Riva – University of Milan 

“Bicocca” 

The project aimed to carry out anthropological investigations 

of the symbolic figures connected to the feminine in the 

Himalayan agriculture. In particular the project analyses the 

gender representations at the following levels: the local 

social and agricultural practices; the implementation of agricultural 

modernization projects funded by international 

agencies and implemented by local NGOs, the rural movements 

for the safeguard of the local biodiversity and the promotion 

of sustainable mountain agricultural practices. 

The field activity was carried out in some Garhwal Himalaya 

villages in Tehri Garhwal district. This area is particularly interesting 

for ethno-anthropological research since, due to its 

socio-economic condition, it has recently become the arena 

for numerous rural development interventions implemented 

by local NGOs, funded by the Indian Government and international 

agencies (World Bank and UNDP). Another important 

aspect is the growth of rural protest movements over 

the past 10 years against some development models considered 

incompatible with the ecological, social and cultural 

dimensions of the Indian Himalaya. 

26 | 27


INTIMATE GLANCE THROUGH THE SACRED 

HIMALAYAN PATH 

Principal investigator: Dr. Riccardo Vrech – University of 

Bergamo 

Dr. Riccardo Vrech carried out a research mission in northwest 

Nepal, in the districts of Mustang and Dolpo, with the 

objective to analyze and study the Bon culture, the most 

ancient native religious tradition of the Tibetan people. 

During the itinerant part of the field work, photographs and 

images were collected along with annotations and biographical 

stories of the lives of the masters who created the main 

monastic institutions and transmitted the teachings of the 

Bon doctrine. 

The research was focused moreover on the study of the ritual 

life with particular attention to chod (“cutting through the 

ego”), connected to the expulsion of demons. The study has 

analyzed the liturgy and local perception of the ritual. With 

regards to related cooperation and development activities, 

the restoration of the Thaktsen Rabgyal Ling monastery has 

been documented. This project was funded by the Ev-K?- 

CNR Committee, Tapriza Verein NGO and Friends of Dolpa 

NGO. 

HIMALAYAN SOUND LANDSCAPE 

Principal investigator: Dr. Fabrizio Gaggini 

The project regards ethno-musicology applied to the 

Himalayan traditions. The field work was carried out in 

Kathmandu Valley in September 2006 and the researcher 

collected documentation (audio, photographic and written 

documents) regarding the following musical traditions: 

Newar, Gandharvas, Kulunge Rai, Nyingma pa. 

Ev-K?-CNR Committee signed an agreement with a record 

company for the realization of ethno-musical CD. The 

responsible of this activity is Dr. Martino Nicoletti coordinator 

of “Anthropological Sciences” area. 





publications 

30 

31 

32 

GENERAL PUBLICATIONS 

CINNABARIS. SERIES OF ORIENTAL STUDIES 

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS


General Publications 

Ev-K2-CNR brochure in Italian, English and Nepali 

Karakorum Trust Project brochure in English language 

SHARE-Asia Project brochure in Italian and English 

Ev-K2-CNR newsletter n. 01/06 

Ev-K2-CNR electronic newsletter (12 issues) in Italian and English 

Ev-K2-CNR Piano biennale (two-year plan) 2006-2007 and CD Rom 

30 | 31


Cinnabaris. Series of Oriental Studies 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee launched this editorial initiative in 

collaboration with ISIAO for the dissemination of anthropological 

and archaeological texts on the Karakorum and 

Himalayan areas. The “Cinnabaris. Series of Oriental Studies” 

book series is printed and distributed in collaboration with 

the Editor Vajra Books of Kathmandu, and is edited by 

Dr. Martino Nicoletti, Coordinator of the “Anthropological 

Sciences” research area, on behalf of Ev-K2-CNR. 

In 2006, two books were published: 

Nicoletti, M. 2006. Shamanic solitudes. Ecstasy, Madness and 

Spirit Possession in the Nepal Himalayas.. Cinnabaris – series 

of oriental studies, Ev-K2-CNR Publications, ISIAO, Vajra 

Pubblications, Kathmandu, Nepal. 220 pp. 

Nicoletti, M. 2006. The Ancestral Forest. Memory, space and 

ritual among the Kulunge Rai of Eastern Nepal. Cinnabaris – 

series of oriental studies, Ev-K2-CNR Publications, ISIAO, 

Vajra Pubblications, Kathmandu, Nepal. 303 pp. 



Scientific Publications 

In addition to the publications listed below, Ev-K?-CNR is 

publishing with Elsevierthe proceedings of the conference 

“Mountains, witnesses of global changes. Research in the 

Himalaya and Karakoram: SHARE-Asia Project” held in Rome 

on November16-17, 2005. The volume will be ready in July 

2007. 

Papers published in journals with editorial policy 

Minetti, A.E., F. Formenti & L.P. Ardigò. 2006. Himalayan 

porter's specialization: metabolic power, economy, efficiency 

and skill. Proc. R. Soc. B., 273 (160): 2791 – 2797. 

Bernardi, L., A. Schneider, L. Pomidori, E. Paolucci & A. Cogo. 

2006. Hypoxic ventilatory response in successful extreme altitude 

climbers. Eur. Respir. J., 27: 165-171. 

Dematteis, A., A. Menzano, P. Tizzani, B. Karmacharya, P.G. 

Meneguz & S. Lovari. 2006. Immobilization of Himalayan 

tahr with a xylazine–ketamine mixture and reversal with atipamezole 

under field conditions. J Wildl Dis, 42(3): 633-639. 

Mayer, C., A. Lambrecht, M. Belò, C. Smiraglia & G. Diolaiuti. 

2006. Glaciological characteristics of the ablation zone of 

Baltoro glacier, Karakoram, Pakistan. Annals of Glaciology, 

43: 123-131. 

Mihalcea, C., C. Mayer, G. Diolaiuti, A. Lambrecht, C. 

Smiraglia & G Tartari. 2006. Ice ablation and meteorological 

conditions on the debris-covered area of Baltoro glacier, 

Karakoram, Pakistan. Annals of Glaciology, 43: 292-300. 

Riva, F. 2006. Kisan Kaun? Donne e "Campi" di sapere nel 

Garhwal Himalaya (India nord-occidentale). Erreffe, La ricerca 

Folklorica, 53: 99-114. 

Vrech, R. 2006. Ricerca e cooperazione tra le comunità Bön 

in Nepal occidentale. SLM Sopra il Livello del Mare. Rivista 

dell’Istituto Nazionale della Montagna. 28: 34-37. 

Proceedings of National and International Congresses 

de Bernardi, R. & E. Vuillermoz. 2006. Ev-K2-CNR SHARE- 

Asia Project: a case study of interdisciplinary environmental 

research in the framework of international scientific cooperation. 

Euro Arab 2006, Kuwait City, Kuwait, 27-29 

November 2006. 869-877. 

Vuillermoz, E., G. Tartari, R. Baudo, A. Lami; B. Schommer, 

2006. The Ev-K?-CNR Project: 15 years of high altitude 

research on global change. In: Price, M.F. (Ed). Global 

Change in Mountain Regions. Proceedings Open science on 

global change in mountain regions, Perth, Scottland, 2-6 

October, 2005. Sapiens Publishing, 70-71. 

Antoninetti, M. 2006. Keynote paper – Securing the mountain 

environment: advanced technologies for mountain environment 

research and management. In: Gyamtsho. P. (Ed.). 

Securing sustainable livelihoods in the Hindu Kush – 

Himalayas: directions for future research, development and 

cooperation. Proceedings ICIMOD 21st Anniversary 

Symposium, Kathmandu, Nepal, 5-6 December, 2005. 29-34. 

Belò, M, C. Mayer, A. Lambrecht, C. Smiraglia, A. Tamburini 

& G. Diolaiuti. 2006. Recent variations of a Karakoram glacier 

(Liliko, Pakistan) as a consequence of climate change an 

surge-type phenomena. In: Price, M.F. (Ed). Global Change in 

Mountain Regions. Proceedings Open science on global 

change in mountain regions, Perth, Scottland, 2-6 October, 

2005. Sapiens Publishing, 91-92. 

Mihalcea, C., G. Diolaiuti, C. Smiraglia & C. Mayer. 2006. 

Responses of debris-covered glaciers to ongoing climate 

change: case studies of the Miage glacier (Italian Alps) and 

Baltoro Glacier (Karakoram, Pakistan). In: Price, M.F. (Ed). 

Global Change in Mountain Regions. Proceedings Open science 

on global change in mountain regions, Perth, Scottland, 

2-6 October, 2005. Sapiens Publishing, 89-90. 

Riva, F. 2006. La montagna marginale? Cosmologie a confronto 

nel Garhwal Himalaya. SLM Sopra il Livello del Mare. 

Rivista dell’Istituto Nazionale della Montagna. 26: 22-29. 

Campoli, A. 2006. Un tè sull’Himalaya. SLM Sopra il Livello 

del Mare. Rivista dell’Istituto Nazionale della Montagna. 26: 

30-37. 

Gaggini, F. 2006. Himalaya orientale tra le valli del 

Solukhumbu. (prima parte). SLM Sopra il Livello del Mare. 

Rivista dell’Istituto Nazionale della Montagna. 25: 38-43. 

Gaggini, F. 2006. Himalaya orientale tra le valli del 

Solukhumbu. (seconda parte). SLM Sopra il Livello del Mare. 

Rivista dell’Istituto Nazionale della Montagna. 26: 38-43 

32 | 33


Abstracts, Posters and Communications presented at 

National and International Congresses 

Minetti, A.E., L.P. Ardigó & F. Formenti. 2006. Heavily loaded 

walking on steep paths in hypoxia: the power and economy 

of Nepalese porters. V World Congress of Biomechanics, 

Monaco di Baviera, Germany, 29 July-4 August 2006. 

Ermolao, A., G. Travain, S. Tolomio, C. Zilli, M. Siviero, M. 

Facco & M. Zaccaria. 2006. Hormonal influences on the 

immune function during acute and chronic high altitude 

exposure. XI Annual Congress of the European College of 

Sport Science, Lausanne, Switzerland, 5-8 July 2006. 

Marzorati, M. 2006. Il metabolismo anaerobico lattacido nei 

Tibetani. Convegno di Medicina di Montagna, Bergamo, 

Italy, 27 May 2006. 

Mazzoni, S. 2006. La prestazione fisica dei Baltì, una popolazione 

d’alta quota della zona del K2. Convegno di 

Medicina di Montagna, Bergamo, Italy, 27 May 2006. 

Ermolao, A., G. Travain, S. Tolomio & M. Zaccaria. 2006. 

Modificazione endocrono-metaboliche dopo l’esposizione 

all’alta quota in giovani donne. Convegno di Medicina di 

Montagna, Bergamo, Italy, 27 May 2006. 

Grottoli, S. & A. Benso. 2006. L’ipossia cronica e l’esercizio 

fisico intenso inducono modificazioni endocrino-metaboliche 

in alpinisti d’elite. Convegno di Medicina di Montagna, 

Bergamo, Italy, 27 May 2006. 

Cogo, A., L. Pomidori, E. Paolucci, A. Schneider, L. Bernardi. 

2006 Strong exercise at high altitude reduces thoracoabdominal 

coordination. Lung Science Conference Taormina 

2006, Hypoxia in Lung Biology and Disease, Taormina, Italy, 

24-26 March 2006. 

Vuillermoz, E., G. Tartari & B. Schommer. 2006. The Ev-K?- 

CNR Committee: an integrated approach to scientific and 

technological research at high altitude. (poster). International 

Workshop and Symposium on Mt. Fuji Project: for the establishment 

of a high mountain observation platform of extreme 

environment, Tokyo, Japan, 22-23 November 2006. 

Luciani, F., M.T. Melis & M. Pierantozzi. 2006. Prima analisi 

degli impatti ambientali causati dall'antropizzazione nel 

Parco Nazionale del Sagarmatha (Everest), attraverso il telerilevamento 

satellitare. X Conferenza Nazionale ASITA, 

Bolzano, Italy, 14-17 November 2006. 

Lovari, S. 2006. Claws and hooves in the roof of the world. 

III International Conference on Alpine ibex, Pontresina, Italy, 

12-14 October 2006. 

Tartari, G. 2006. The Himalayas & Karakoram CEOP sites – 

SHARE Asia Project. I Pan–GEWEX Meeting, Frascati, Italy, 9- 

13 October 2006. 

Bertolani, L., R. Salerno & E. Musso. 2006. Verification of 

EMC-GCM forecasts of precipitation and comparison with 

satellite derived rainfall estimates. I Pan–GEWEX Meeting, 

Frascati, Italy, 9-13 October 2006. 

Marinoni A., P. Cristofanelli, U. Bonafè, F. Calzolari, F. 

Roccato, M.C. Facchini, S. Fuzzi, G.P. Gobbi, M. Maione, J. 

Arduini, P. Laj, G. Verza, E. Vuillermoz & P. Bonasoni. 2006. 

Monitoraggio di aerosol atmosferico in alta montagna: l’esperienza 

di Mt. Cimone e della stazione ABC-PYR in 

Himalaya. XCII Congresso Nazionale della Società Italiana di 

Fisica, Torino, Italy, 18-23 September 2006. 

Cristofanelli, P., A. Marinoni, U. Bonafè, F. Calzolari, F. 

Roccato, M.C. Facchini, S. Fuzzi, G.P. Gobbi, M. Maione, J. 

Arduini, P. Laj, G.P. Verza, E. Vuillermoz & P. Bonasoni. 2006. 

Monitoraggio di gas in tracce in alta montagna: l’esperienza 

di Mt. Cimone e della stazione ABC-PYR in Himalaya. XCII 

Congresso Nazionale della Società Italiana di Fisica, Torino, 

Italy, 18-23 September 2006. 

Bonasoni P., P. Laj, U. Bonafè, F. Calzolari, P. Cristofanelli, S. 

Decesari, L. Emblico, M.C. Facchini, S. Fuzzi, G.P. Gobbi, A. 

Marinoni, F. Roccato, J.M. Pichon, K. Sellegri, H. Venzac, P. 

Villani, J. Arduini, M. Maione, A. Petzold, M. Sprenger, G. 

Tartari, G.P. Verza & E. Vuillermoz. 2006. Continuous aerosol 

and ozone measurements at 5079 m in Himalaya: the ABC- 

Pyramid Atmospheric Research Laboratory. International conference 

in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the High 

Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch Research at 

Jungfraujoch “Top of Science”, Interlaken, Switzerland, 11- 

14 September, 2006. 

Bonasoni, P., P. Laj, U. Bonafè, F. Calzolari, P. Cristofanelli, S. 

Decesari, L. Emblico, M.C. Facchini, S. Fuzzi, G.P. Gobbi, A. 

Marinoni, F. Roccato, J.M. Pichon, K. Sellegri, H. Venzac, P. 

Villani, J. Arduini, M. Maione, A. Petzold, M. Sprenger, G. 

Tartari, G.P. Verza & E. Vuillermoz. 2006. Preliminary results 

from ABC-PYR, the new remote high mountain station in the 

Himalayas to study the atmospheric composition change and 

climate. Joint IGAC/CACGP/SOLAS/WMO Symposium: 

Atmospheric Chemistry at the interfaces, The 9th Scientific 

Conference of the IGAC Project, Cape Town, South Africa, 

17-23 September 2006. 

Dematteis, A., P. Tizzani & B. Karmacharya. 2006. 

Immobilization of Himalayan Tahr with a xylazine-ketamine 

mixture and reversal with atipamezole under field conditions. 

IV World Congress on Mountain Ungulates, Munnar (Kerala), 

India, 12-15 September 2006. 



Scientific Publications 

Boesi, R. & S. Lovari. 2006. Intrasexual selection for coat 

colour in Himalayan tahr male. IV World Congress on 

Mountain Ungulates, Munnar (Kerala), India, 12-15 

September 2006. 

Vuillermoz, E., L. Bertolani, C. Smiraglia, G.P. Verza, G. 

Tartari, A. Marinoni & P. Bonasoni. 2006. SHARE-Asia 

Automatic Weather Station Network: an integral component 

for climate research in the Karakorum – Himalayas region. I 

International Workshop on Energy and Water Cycle over the 

Tibetan Plateau, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lhasa, Tibet, 

China, 3-12 September, 2006. 

Tartari, G., F. Salerno, P. Bonasoni, E. Vuillermoz & R. Salerno. 

2006. The Ev-K?- CNR interdisciplinary approach in monsoon-water 

cycle study in Himalayas. International Workshop 

"Impact of Elevated Aerosols on Radiation-Monsoon-Water 

Cycle Interactions”, Xining, China, 31 July – 5 August, 2006. 

Marinoni, A, P. Bonasoni, P. Cristofanelli, M.C. Facchini, G. 

Gobbi, P. Laj & M. Maione. 2006. ABC-PYRAMID: A new station 

in Himalayas to monitor atmospheric aerosol and gases. 

International Workshop "Impact of Elevated Aerosols on 

Radiation-Monsoon-Water Cycle Interactions”, Xining, 

China, 31 July – 5 August, 2006. 

Bonasoni, P., P. Laj, U. Bonafè, F. Calzolari, P. Cristofanelli, 

M.C. Facchini, S. Fuzzi, G.P. Gobbi, A. Marinoni, F. Roccato, 

J.M. Pichon, H. Venzac, K. Sellegri, P. Villani, M. Maione, J. 

Arduini, A. Petzold, M. Sprenger, G. Tartari, G.P. Verza & E. 

Vuillermoz. 2006. ABC-PYR: a new remote high mountain 

station in the Himalayas to study the atmospheric composition 

change and climate. (poster). European Geosciences 

Union General Assembly 2006, Vienna, Austria, 2-7 April 

2006. 

Vassena, G., G. Corti, M. Gelmini, C. Lanzi, M. Sgrenzaroli & 

C. Smiraglia. 2006. The recent strong shrinkage of a high elevation 

glacier, Changri Nup (Nepal, Himalaya): eleven years 

of measurements. (poster). European Geosciences Union 

General Assembly 2006, Vienna, Austria, 2-7 April 2006. 

G. Vassena, C. Lanzi, L. Cavallari, C. Smiraglia, G. Diolaiuti & 

M. Citterio. 2006. High resolution topographic applications 

as a contribution to the knowledge of potentially dangerous 

glacier lakes. The case study of Imja Lake (Nepal, Himalayas). 

(poster). 10th Alpine Glaciology Meeting 2006, Munich, 

Germany, 23-24 February 2006. 

Diemberger, H. 2006. The Story of the Dorje Phagmo, 

princess of Gunthang. 2006 IATS Conference, Bonn, 

Germany, 27 August – 2 September 2006. 

34 | 35


conferences 

and events 

36 

37 

38 

39 

EARTH SYSTEM PRESENTATION 

BERGAMOSCIENZA 2006 

THE NEW ASPECTS OF RESEARCH CONFERENCE 

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY


EARTH System Presentation 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee in collaboration with the company 

Actelios of the Falck industrial group, developed an innovative 

thermic waste disposal system for use in extreme environments 

and which reduces polluting emissions to the minimum: 

the EARTH system (Ecological Activity for Refuse 

Treatment in High altitude©). The prototype unit was officially 

presented in Cervinia on July 26 and will be installed in the 

Central Karakorum National Park, near the entrance to the 

Baltoro valley (the valley leading to K2) in 2007. A future 

application is expected also in Sagarmatha National Park in 

Lobuche village. 

36 | 37


BergamoScienza 2006 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee organized the following scientific 

events during the BergamoScienza science fair held in 

Bergamo from September 28 to October 15, 2006: 

“High Altitude Research” Exhibition held from October 1 

to 15 at the Palamonti Building (Italian Alpine Club – 

Bergamo Headquarters). 

The exhibition, organized in collaboration with Turin 

University, the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics, 

and the Italian Alpine Club (Bergamo), consisted of photographs, 

informative posters, videos, interactive webcams and 

scientific instruments from high altitude laboratories in Italy, 

Europe and around the world. Particular attention was dedicated 

to the Pyramid International Laboratory-Observatory. 

The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Giuseppe 

Cavarretta, Director of the Earth and Environment 

Department of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). - 

Episcopal Auditorium Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo. Bjorn 

Lomborg, Giuseppe Cavarretta, Franco Battaglia, and Renato 

Angelo Ricci discussed the priorities the world’s populations 

must face in the coming years. 

On October 11, Dr. Paul Crutzen, Nobel prize winner and cochair 

of the UNEP Project “Atmospheric Brown Clouds” gave 

a lecture on the" Anthropocene Era" . 

ABC - Pyramid webcam inauguration 

A webcam has been running at the ABC-Pyramid station 

since October, allowing researchers in Italy to keep an eye on 

the scientific instruments installed there. The webcam was 

inaugurated by Nobel Laureate Prof. Paul Crutzen during a 

meeting with journalists, scientific experts and students 

organized by the Ev-K2-CNR Committee at Bergamo 

Palamonti during the “High Altitude Research” exhibition. 

On October 1 the Round table “The ten global challenges: 

which of these can we face?” was held at the Seminar 



The new aspects of research conference 

The Ev-K2-CNR Committee, in collaboration with the Italian 

Parliamentary Group “Friends of the Mountains”, organized 

a meeting held in Rome on November 22 to illustrate their 

current projects and present their 2007 agenda. During the 

meeting, the Ev-K2-CNR team involved in the projects was 

also presented. Among those present, Minister for Regional 

Affairs, Linda Lanzillotta; the former Minister of Agriculture 

and Forestry Policies, Gianni Alemanno; Senator and former 

deputy-minister of Finance and Economy, Giuseppe Vegas; , 

Director of the Earth and Environment Department of the 

Italian National Research Council, Giuseppe Cavarretta; and 

Director of the National Mountain Institute, Antonio Ciaschi. 

38 | 39


International Mountain Day 

In occasion of the International Mountain Day, celebrated on 

December 11, a seminar titled “The Talents and Technologies 

of the Mountains” was held at the Pordoi Pass, in the Italian 

Alps. The meeting focused on the use of new technologies 

and innovations in culture and science with relevance to 

mountain environments. The Ev-K2-CNR Committee participated 

actively in the event. Dr. Gianni Tartari, President of 

the Ev-K2-CNR Committee Scientific Council, presented the 

activities, projects and perspectives of the Pyramid 

Laboratory-Observatory and the ABC-Pyramid climate and 

atmospheric pollution monitoring station, in Nepal. A videoconference 

was also held with Pyramid International 

Laboratory-Observatory, where Dr. Martino Nicoletti, 

Coordinator of the “Anthropological Sciences” sector of the 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee, was working. 





web sites 

42 

43 

WWW.EVK2CNR.ORG 

WWW.NEPALMOUNTAINNEWS.COM


www.evk2cnr.org 

www.evk2cnr.org, available in English and Italian, is the institutional 

website of the Ev-K 2 -CNR Project. It contains information 

on all their scientific activities and cooperation projects. 

The Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory webcam and the 

real time data of the ABC-Pyramid Station can be accessed 

on www.evk2cnr.org. 

14000 - 

www.evk2cnr.org 

12000 - 

10000 - 

8000 - 

6000 - 

4000 - 

2000 - 

0 - 

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 

visits 

pages 

file 

hits 

42 | 43


www.nepalmountainnews.com 

This English only website, conceived by the Ev-K 2 -CNR 

Representative Office in Kathmandu and the Cho-Oyu 

Trekking Agency has been on-line since June, 2006. 

Managed by a Nepali journalist, the site provides information 

on Nepal and its mountains. 

. 

3500 - 

www.nepalmountainnews.com 

3000 - 

2500 - 

2000 - 

1500 - 

1000 - 

500 - 

0 - 

JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 





collaborations 

and agreements 

46 

50 

54 

COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS 

COLLABORATING RESEARCHERS 

AGREEMENTS SIGNED IN 2006


Italian Organizations collaborating 

with the Ev-K2-CNR Committee 

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (CNR) 

- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology 

- Water Research Institute 

- Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate 

- Institute for Atmospheric Pollution 

- Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment 

- Institute of Ecosystem Study 

UNIVERSITIES 

- University of Bologna, Department of Biology; Department of Physics 

- University of Brescia, Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Land and Environment 

- University of Ferrara, Department of Respiratory Diseases 

- University of Lecco, Engineering Faculty 

- University of Milan “Bicocca”, Department of Environment and Earth Sciences 

- University of Milan, Department of Earth Sciences “Ardito Desio”; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies; 

Institute of Respiratory Diseases 

- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Department of Biomedical Sciences 

-University of Padova, Department of Environmental Agronomy and Vegetal Productions; Department of Geology, 

Paleontology and Geophysics; Terrestrial and Agro-Forestry Systems Department; Department of Environmental Medicine and 

Public Health, Hygiene Division; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences; Cardiology Division; Hospital Cardiology Clinic 

- University of Pavia, Department Geographic History; Medical Clinic 1 

- University of Perugia, Department of “Man and Territory”, Anthropological Sciences Division; Economy Faculty, Department 

of Economy, Finance and Statistics 

- University of Pisa, Department of Earth Sciences 

- University of Siena, Statistics Faculty; Department of Environmental Sciences, Ethology Section, Behavioral Ecology and 

Wildlife Management; Institute of Neonatal Medicine 

- University of Torino, Department of Commodity Economics; Department of Mineralogical and Petrologic Sciences 

- University of Trieste, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Department of Geological, Environmental and Marine Sciences; 

Department of Mathematics; Faculty of Philosophy 

- University of Udine, Department of Land and Land Resources 

- University of Urbino, Department of Chemical Sciences 

- University of Venice, Department of Environmental Sciences 

- ”Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Department of Biology 

- “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Department of Clinical Medicine, Respiratory Physiopathology Service 

- Insubria University of Varese, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 

46 | 47


OTHER INSTITUTIONS 

- Padova Hospital, Cardiology Clinic; Sports Medicine Service 

- S. Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome 

- Bufalini Hospital 

- Buzzi Hospital 

- Luigi Sacco Hospital, Microbiology and Chemistry Department 

- San Paolo Hospital, Medicine and Surgery Department 

- Siena Polyclinic, Pediatric Ward 

- State Forestry Department 

- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) 

- National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) 

- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics 

- National Food and Nutrition Research Institute (INRAN) 

- National Metrological Research Institute (INRIM) 

- Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and the Environment (ENEA) 

- Italian Institute for Africa and East (ISiAO) 

- Europeran Academy of Bolzano 

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS 

- Epson Meteo Centre - Climate Research Division 

- Novonordisk 

- Cobat - Mandatory Consortium for Spent Lead Batteries and Lead Waste 

- Farmindustria 

SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS 

- Italian Glaciological Committee 

- National Mountain Institute (IMONT) 

- Italian Mountain Medicine Society 

ASSOCIATIONS/NGOs/FOUNDATIONS 

- Umana Dimora Environmentalist Association 

- International Association for Landscape Ecology – Italy 

- Eco-Himal Italy 

- Lerici Foundation 

- CESVI 

- Friends of Lorenzo Fellowship 



International Organizations collaborating 

with the Ev-K2-CNR Committee 

EUROPE 

- Universitat Wien, Institud fur Etnologie – Vienna, Austria 

- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology and Limnology, - Austria 

- Phonogram Arkiv Vienna – Austria 

- Austrian Fonds zur Forderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung – Austria 

- Institut Fur Volkerkunde – Vienna, Austria 

- Zentrum fuer Umwelt und Naturschutz, Universitaet fuer Bodenkultur – Vienna, Austria 

- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) – Vienna, Austria 

- University College London, London - UK 

- Institute of Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Met. Univ – UK 

- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine – London, UK 

- Oriental Institute, Oxford University – England 

- Department of Atmospheric Physics, Clarendon Laboratory – Oxford, UK 

- Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit, University of Cambridge– UK 

- Department of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge– UK 

- Max Planck Institut – Gottingen, Germania 

- Institute For Tropospheric Research – Leipzig, Germany 

- Centre Medical Universitaire, Department de Physiologie – Ginevra, Switzerland 

- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital – Ginevra, Switzerland 

- ETH-Zentrum Geological Institut – Zurich, Switzerland 

- Tibetfreunde Foundation – Bern, Switzerland 

- World Radiation Centre – Davos Dorf, Switzerland 

- Tapriza Verein NGO – Zurich, Switzerland 

- CNES, Service DORIS – Tolosa, France 

- CNRS, Laboratorie de Glaciologie et de Géophysique de l’Enviroment – Grenoble, France 

- CNRS, Laboratoire de Météorologie Physique - Clérmont-Férrand, France 

- Fondation Benoît Chamoux– Paris, France 

- Université di Grenoble – France 

- Glaciological Society Alpes Occidentales – France 

- Inserm, Hôpital Broussais – Paris, France 

- Institut Géographique National – Grenoble, France 

- Department of Hospital Physics, Karolinska Hospital – Stockholm, Sweden 

- University of Göteborg, Departement of Clinical Neuroscience – Göteborg, Sweden 

- Department of Neurophysiological Sciences, Univ. of Göteborg – Göteborg, Sweden 

- Shalgerenska Hospital – Göteborg, Sweden 

ASIA 

- NBSM – National Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, Beijing – China 

- Chinese Academy Of Science, Beijng, China 

- Health Bureau Of Nyalam, Shigatse Prefecture – Tibet Autonomous Region, China 

- Gutsho Hospital, Shigatse Prefecture – Tibet Autonomous Region, China 

- Tibet University – Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China 

- Tibet Assistance to the Remote Areas, Tibet Autonomous Region , China 

- Tibet Mountaineering Department – Tibet Autonomous Region, China 

- Tibet Academy of Social Sciences – Tibet Autonomous Region, China 

- University of Shiga Prefecture – Japan 

- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Tokyo - Japan 

- United Nations University - Japan 

- University of Nagoya – Japan 

- University of Tsukuba – Japan 

- University of Hokkaido – Japan 

- Nepal Academy of Science & Technology (NAST) – Nepal 

- Ministry of Science & Technology – Nepal 

48 | 49


- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation – Nepal 

- Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation – Nepal 

- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology – Nepal 

- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation – Nepal 

- Sagarmatha National Park – Nepal 

- Tribhuvan University – Nepal 

- Nepal Health Research Council – Nepal 

- Nepal Mountaineering Association – Nepal 

- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) – Nepal 

- The World Conservation Union (IUCN) - Nepal 

- World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Nepal 

- Nepal International Clinic - Nepal 

- BIR Hospital – Nepal 

- Himalayan Research for Science & Technology NGO – Nepal 

- Tapriza Association of Social Help in Dolpo (TASHI D.) NGO – Nepal 

- Resources Himalaya Foundation – Nepal 

- Ministry of Environment - Pakistan 

- Ministry of Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs - Pakistan 

- Pakistan Meterological Department - Pakistan 

- CIMR – Centre for Integrated Mountain Research, Lahore - Pakistan 

- The World Conservation Union (IUCN) - Pakistan 

- Rural Support Programmes Network - Pakistan 

- Aga Khan Rural Support Programme - Pakistan 

- Mountain Glacier Protection Organization - Pakistan 

- Academy of Geological Sciences (PAGS), Lahore - Pakistan 

- Karakorum International University, Gilgit – Pakistan 

- Alpine Club of Pakistan 

- WWW Pakistan 

- United Nations Enviroment Programme (UNEP) - Asia Pacific 

NORTH AMERICA 

- Beth Israel Medical Center – New York City, NY, USA 

- Climate Change Research Ctr, Inst. of Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, NH Univ – Durham, NH, USA 

- NASA Commercial Space Center – Washington D.C., USA 

- New Mexico Health Enhancement And Marathon Clinic – Albuquerque, NM, USA 

- New York City College – New York City, NY, USA 

- NOAA, Surface Radiation Research Branch, Air Resources Laboratory – Boulder, CO, USA 

- Oregon Health Science University – Portland, OR, USA 

- The Mountain Institute, West Virginia University – Franklin, WV, USA 

- University of New Mexico, Human Performance Laboratory, Albuquerque, NM, USA 

- Veteran Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA 

- Friends of Dolpa NGO – Golden Valley, MN, USA 

- Yale University Medical School – New Haven, CT, USA 

- Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA 

LATIN AMERICA 

- CRICYT – Centro Regional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnologicas, Mendoza – Argentina 

OCEANIA 

- Manly Hospital, Department Of Critical Care, Manly - Australia 

- School Of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne - Australia 



Collaborating researchers 

RESEARCHER 

INSTITUTION 

Prof. Allegra Luigi 

Prof. Allegrini Ivo 

Prof. Antignani Luigi 

Dr. Antoninetti Massimo 

Dr. Ardigò Luca Paolo 

Dr. Arduini Jgor 

Dr. Balestrini Raffaella 

Dr. Baietto Marco 

Dr. Barbante Carlo 

Prof. Baroni Alberto 

Dr. Baudo Renato 

Prof. Beltramo Riccardo 

Dr. Bergamaschi Luigi 

Dr. Bergonzoli Silvia 

Dr. Bernardi Luciano 

Dr. Bernieri Enric 

Dr. Bertolani Laura 

Dr. Boesi Roberto 

Dr. Bonacina Costante 

Dr. Bonafè Ubaldo 

Dr. Bonasoni Paolo 

Prof. Boselli Anna Milvia 

Prof. Brambati Antonio 

Dr. Calzolari Francescopiero 

University of Milan Institute of Respiratory Diseases 

CNR - Institute for Atmospheric Pollution 

S. Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome 

CNR - Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment 

University of Verona Faculty of Motor Sciences 

University of Urbino Institute of Chemical Sciences 


University of Milan “Bicocca” Department of Environment and Earth Sciences 

University of Venice Department of Environmental Sciences 

University of Padova Department of Environmental Medicine and Public 

Health, Hygiene Division 

CNR - Institute of Ecosystem Study 

Department of Commodity Economics 

National Metrological Research Institute 

Buzzi Hospital 

University of Pavia Medical Clinic 1 

National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) 

Epson Meteo Centre - Climate Research Division 

University of Siena Department of Environmental Sciences, Ethology Section, 

Behavioral Ecology and Wildlife Management 

University of Brescia Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, 

Land and Environment 

CNR - Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate 


University of Padova Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, 

Hygiene Division 

University of Trieste Department of Geological, Environmental and Marine Sciences 


50 | 51


RESEARCHER 

INSTITUTION 

Dr. Campoli Alessandra 

Dr. Caporali Alessandro 

Prof. Caravello Gianumberto 

Dr. Carosi Rodolfo 

Prof. Cerretelli Paolo 

Prof. Cescon Paolo 

Prof. Cogo Annalisa 

Dr. Comi Michele 

Dr. Console Rodolfo 

Dr. Coscia Francesco 

Dr. Cozzi Giulio 

Dr. Cristofanelli Paolo 

Dr. de Bernardi Riccardo 

Dr. Dematteis Andrea 

Dr. Decesari Stefano 

Prof. Diemberger Hildegard 

Dr. Diolaiuti Guglielmina 

Dr. Duglio Stefano 

Dr. Ermolao Andrea 

Dr. Facchini Maria Cristina 

Dr. Fasano Valter 

Dr. Formenti Federico 

Dr. Fuzzi Sandro 

Dr. Gaggini Fabrizio 

Dr. Gallorini Mario 

“La Sapienza” University of Rome 

University of Padova Department of Geology, Paleontology and Geophysics 

University of Padova Department of Environmental Medicine and Public 

Health, Hygiene Division 

University of Pisa Department of Earth Sciences 

University of Milan Department of Technological and Biomedical Sciences 


University of Ferrara Department of Respiratory Diseases 

Ev-K 2 -CNR Committee 

National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) 

Sport Physiology Laboratory, Perugia 




Wildlife Management Research Center - CERIGEFAS University Foundation 


Cambridge University Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit 

University of Milan Department of Earth Sciences “Ardito Desio” 

University of Torino Department of Commodity Economics 

Padova Hospital Sports Medicine Service 


University of Milan Institute of Respiratory Diseases 

Institute of Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester 

Metropolitan University -CHESHIRE 


- 




Collaborating researchers 

RESEARCHER 

RESEARCHER 

Prof. Gelfi Cecilia 

Prof. Minetti Alberto 

Dr. Musazzi Simona 

Dr. Narici Marco 

Dr. Nicoletti Martino 

Dr. Nodari Maria Luisa 

Dr. Padoa Schioppa Emilio 

Dr. Pandolfi Elena 

Prof. Parrini Paolo 

Dr. Pecci Massimo 

Prof. Pertusati Piero 

Dr. Pesaresi Damiano 

Dr. Pezzo Francesco 

Dr. Pillon Mario 

Prof. Pillon Sergio 

Dr. Polesello Stefano 

Dr. Ponchia Andrea 

Prof. Poretti Giorgio 

Prof. Ricciardi Lucio 

Dr. Riva Federica 

Dr. Rizzio Enrico 

Dr. Roccato Fabrizio 

Prof. Rolfo Franco 

Prof. Rossi Donatella 

Dr. Salerno Franco 

CNR - Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology 

University of Milan Institute of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine 


Active Life Span Research Group Manchester Metropolitan University 

Ev-K 2 -CNR Committee 

University of Cambridge Department of Social Anthropology 

University of Milan ìBicoccaî Department of Environment and Earth Sciences 

University of Torino Department of Commodity Economics 

University of Padova Department of Environmental Agronomy and Vegetal 

Productions 

National Mountain Institute 

University of Pisa Department of Earth Sciences 

National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics 

University of Siena Department of Environmental Sciences, Ethology Section, 

Behavioral Ecology and Wildlife Management 

Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and the Environment 

S. Camillo Forlanini Hospital 


University of Padova Hospital Cardiology Clinic 

University of Trieste Department of Mathematics 

University of Varese “Insubria” Faculty of Medicine and Surgery 

University of Milan “Bicocca” 



University of Torino Department of Mineralogical and Petrologic Sciences 

“La Sapienza” University of Rome Faculty of Oriental Studies 


52 | 53


RESEARCHER 

RESEARCHER 

Dr. Salerno Raffaele 

Dr. Samaja Michele 

Dr. Sironi Maria Antonia 

Prof. Smiraglia Claudio 

Dr. Sommaruga Ruben 

Dr. Tarolli Paolo 

Dr. Tartari Gabriele 

Dr. Tartari Gianni 

Prof. Tomasi Claudio 

Dr. Travain Giuseppe 

Dr. Valsecchi Sara 

Prof. Vassena Giorgio 

Dr. Venzac Hervè 

Dr. Viganò Agnese 

Dr. Vrech Riccardo 

Prof. Zaccaria Marco 

Prof. Zanzi Luigi 

Epson Meteo Centre - Climate Research Division 

S. Paolo Hospital Department of Medicine and Surgery 

Eco-Himal Italy 

University of Milan Department of Earth Sciences “Ardito Desio” 

University of Innsbruck Institute of Zoology and Limnology 

University of Padova Land and Agro-Forest Environment Department 






University of Brescia Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, 

Land and Environment 

CNRS - Laboratoire de Météorologie Physique - Clérmont-Férrand, France 

University of Milan Department of Technological and Biomedical Sciences 

University of Bergamo Research Centre on the Anthropology and the 

Epistemology of Complexity 


University of Pavia Department Geographic History 



Agreements signed in 2006 

3 MARCH: 

Politecnico of Milan (Italy) – Department of Architecture and Planning . Scientific research in the fields of technlogical 

innovation and training activities (Pakistan) 

3 MARCH: 

WWF Nepal. Wildlife research and monitoring activities particularly of the snow leopard and prey species in 

Sagarmatha National Park 

28 APRIL: 

Tapriza Vereign NGO, Friends of Dolpa NGO, TASHI D. NGO. Anthropological research regarding the Bon traditionin 

Dolpo (Nepal) 

8 MAY: 

CNR – Water Research Institute (Italy). Environmental scientific research in remote areas 

5 JUNE: 

Karakorum International University (Pakistan). Karakorum Trust Project. 

5 JUNE: 

Alpine Club of Pakistan. Karakorum Trust Project. 

7 JUNE: 

Aga Khan Rural Support Program (Pakistan). Karakorum Trust Project. 

15 SEPTEMBER: 

The Worlds Conservation Union (IUCN) - Asia. Partnership Project “Institutional Consolidation for the coordinated 

and integrated monitoring of natural resources towards sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation 

in the Hindu Kush – Karakorum – Himalaya Mountain Complex” 

10 OCTOBER: 

Vajra Publications (Nepal). Publication of the “CINNABARIS – Series of Oriental Studies” collection 

20 OCTOBER: 

Opera 3 Srl (Italy). Project “Sound’s seeds in the autumn of power” 

11 NOVEMBERR 

UNEP Asia Pacific. Project Aerosol Observatory Program in Karakorum and Himalaya mountain regions within the 

framework of the “Project Atmospheric Brown Clouds: the integration of air pollution and climate science to asses 

the impacts on the environment and society (Project ABC)”. 

31 DECEMBER 

Research Himalaya Foundation (Nepal). Research on the climate impacts on the vegetation. 

54 | 55


organization 

56 

58 

60 

Ev-K2-CNR COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION 

STAFF MEMBERS 

PYRAMID STAFF MEMBERS


Ev-K2-CNR Committee Organization 

EXECUTIVE 

COMMITTEE 


Ev-K2-CNR President and Member 

Executive Committee Member 

Andrea Lami 

Scientific Coordinator 

Executive Committee member 

Marcello Mora 

Administration & Finance 

Executive Committee member 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee member 

Davide Zulian 

Ev-K2-CNR Vice President and 

Member 

Executive Committee Member 

Gianni Tartari 

Scientific Council President 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee Member 

Andrea Lami 

Coordinator “Environmental 

Sciences” 


Annaluisa Cogo 

Coordinator “Earth Sciences” Coordinator “Medicine and 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee Member Physiology” 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee Member 

Paolo Caroli 

Coordinator “Communication 

and Development” 

Anna Milvia Boselli Michele Comi Hildegard Diemberger Andrea Laganà Sandro Lovari 

56 | 57


HONORARY PRESIDENTS 

Paolo Cerretelli 

Honorary President 

Kurt Diemberger 

Honorary President 

SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL 


Coordinator “Anthropological 

Sciences” 

Ev-K2-CNR Committee 

Member 

Silvano Cavalli 

Coordinator “Clean 

Technologies and 

Environmented Management 

Systems” 

EV-K2-CNR 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

(NOT ALREADY MENTIONED ABOVE) 

Giorgio Poretti 

Claudio Smiraglia 




Staff Members 

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 


President 

Luca Listo 

President Assistant 

and Project Designer 

Elisabetta Rossoni 

President Secretary 

TECHNICAL 

AND EXECUTIVE 

SECRETARIAT 

Beth Schommer 

Executive Director 

Chiara Belotti 

Technical and Executive 

Secretariat Coordinator 

Elisa Vuillermoz 

Technical and Research 

Assistant, 

Environmental 

Sciences 


Data Acquisition Stations 

Manager 

Francesca Steffanoni 

Partner Relations / 

CommunicationManager 

Wainer Preda 

Editorial Director 

Sara Sottocornola 

Editorial Staff 

Marco Chiodi 

Press Office Assistant 

Surendra Paudyal 

Journalist 

Suvash Sharma 

Journalist 

KARAKORUM TRUST PROJECT 

Valerio Pietrangelo 

Project Coordinator 

Maurizio Gallo 

Chief Technical Advisor 

58 | 59


TECHNICAL OFFICE 

Alberto Cortinovis 

Head Technical Office 

Daniela Milanesi 

Technical Office 

Assistant 

Angela Milanesi 

Administration 

HKKH PARTNERSHIP PROJECT 

Franco Salerno 

Technical Research 

Coordinator 

Sudeep Thakuri 

Technical Support Staff 

COMMUNICATION, PRESS OFFICE AND EDITORIAL STAFF 

REGIONAL 

OFFICES 

Hari Kumar Shrestha 

Nepal Resident 

Representative 

Krishna Das Shrestha 

Nepal Representative 

Office Assistant 

Sunil Tamang 

Nepal Representative 

Office Assistant 

Marcello Basani 

Field Officer (Nepal) 

Riaz Ul-Hassan 

Pakistan Resident 

Representative 



Pyramid Staff Members 

Norbu Sherpa 

Manager of Nepali Staff 

Pasang Sherpa 

Manager of Nepali Staff 

Tenzing Sherpa 

Pyramid Technician 

Kaji Bista 


Laxman Adhikari 


TECHNICAL STAFF 

Pema Sherpa 


Lhakpa Tenzi Sherpa 


Lhakpa Tshering Sherpa 


LODGE 

STAFF 

Kesar Bahadur (KC) 

Lodge staff (cook) 

Raj Bahadur Rai (Jettha) 

Lodge staff 

Dorje Tamang 

Lodge staff 

Vesh Magar 

Lodge staff 

60 | 61


balance sheet 

2006


Statement of assets and liabilities 

ASSETS 

2006 

Intangible fixed assets 

Tangible fixed assets 

Medium and long term credits 

Credits from state 

Sundry credits 

Accrued income and deferred expenses 

Banks current accounts 

Cheques, money and cash values 

TOTAL ASSETS 

16.626,60 

540.682,64 

1.200,00 

4.004,00 

869.251,80 

11.242,58 

291.108,77 

9.080,64 

1.743.197,03 

LIABILITIES 


Devaluation fund / intangible fixed assets 

Devaluation fund / tangible fixed assets 

Banks current accounts 

Capital and reserves 

Debts to suppliers 

Debts to social security 

Debts to in land revenue 

Sundry debts 

Accrued expenses and deferred income 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

operating profit 

TOTAL BALANCE 

5.327,76 

148.573,22 

23.078,51 

390.748,09 

856.289,74 

3.202,35 

14.588,47 

88.647,23 

158.951,23 

1.689.406,60 

53.790,43 

1.743.197,03 

All amounts in Euro 

62 | 63


Profit and loss account 

EXPENSES 


Purchase of goods and services 

Personnel 

Various management burdens 

Amortization 

Financial burdens 

Other extraordinary burdens 

Fiscal burdens 

TOTAL 

Operating profit 

TOTAL BALANCE 

1.947.410,53 

118.322,91 

99.351,41 

46.964,99 

16.627,34 

4.363,74 

5.476,00 

2.238.516,92 

53.790,43 

2.292.307,35 

INCOME 


Contribution from Italian organization 

CNR- Ev-K2-CNR Project 

CNR - SHARE Asia Project 

CNR - Karakorum Trust 

MIPAF - Bontagna Project 

864.306,33 

416.920,72 

780.118,04 

81.171,10 

Contribution from international agencies 

IUCN - DSS HKKH 

Contribution from private donors 

Other income 

Financial income 

Other extraordinary income 

TOTAL 

93.325,00 

31.460,00 

687,53 

2.166,84 

22.151,79 

2.292.307,35 

All amounts in Euro 





Ev-K2-CNR Committee 

Via San Bernardino, 145 

24126 Bergamo - Italy 

Tel. +39 035 3230511 

Fax +39 035 3230551 

Email: evk2cnr@evk2cnr.org 

www.evk2cnr.org

Annual Report 2006 - Ev-K2-CNR

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?