Annual Report 2006 - Ev-K2-CNR

ar2006 19-09-2007 10:36 Pagina 21
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;
annual report 2006