The AKUT Foundation hosted an international gathering that brought together mountaineering culture and nature conservation.
The “Meet and Greet” event, organized as part of the Türkiye visit of representatives from the Nepal-based civil society organization Everest Alliance Nepal, was held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Energy Museum Control Room of the santralistanbul Campus of Istanbul Bilgi University.
The event brought together members of the mountaineering community, nature conservation advocates, and international guests. Discussions focused on experiences in Himalayan mountaineering, the protection of mountain ecosystems, the impacts of intensive mountaineering activities on nature, and the promotion of a sustainable approach to mountaineering.
The gathering took place under the leadership of Ali Nasuh Mahruki, Chair of the Board of the AKUT Foundation and a pioneering figure of Himalayan mountaineering in Türkiye. Athletes aiming to reach the summit of Mount Everest, representatives of the mountaineering community, and environmental advocates also participated in the program.
During the event, attention was drawn to the importance of raising awareness about protecting and ensuring the sustainability of mountainous regions where intensive mountaineering activities take place worldwide.
Ali Nasuh Mahruki, Chair of the Board of the AKUT Foundation, shared the following regarding the event, “Mountains are more than just a venue for mountaineering activities. They are fragile ecosystems that must be protected, and to with we owe a great responsibility. Today we have gathered here to promote safe and responsible climbing in the Himalayas and to raise awareness about mountain safety and ecotourism. We place great importance in creating an environment fit for sharing and learning that will inspire the next generation of mountaineers.
This gathering in Türkiye also represents a valuable step in passing on respect for nature and mountain culture to future generations. On the other hand, we also aim to draw attention to the need to protect mountain ecosystems in our country’s important mountainous areas such as Mount Ararat, the Kaçkar Mountains, and Aladağlar, which attract great interest from mountaineers, tourism agencies, and guides. In these regions, we aim to carry out activities that will increase awareness of sustainable mountaineering and nature conservation.”
Sudarshan Nepal, President of Everest Alliance Nepal, shared the following: “Today’s meeting here in Türkiye is very meaningful for us. Mountains unite people beyond borders. Whether in Nepal or Türkiye, we all share the same responsibility: to respect nature, protect fragile mountain ecosystems, and encourage future generations to value these incredible landscapes. Through cooperation, friendship, and the sharing of knowledge, I believe we can create a strong impact in promoting sustainable mountain tourism and protecting our natural heritage.”
During the event, representatives of the mountaineering community, athletes who have reached the summit of Everest, and environmental advocates also emphasized the importance of international cooperation for the protection of mountains. It was noted that the gathering, which aimed to encourage the sharing of experiences in mountaineering, environment, and sustainability, contributed to creating a common ground for dialogue and cooperation for the protection of mountain ecosystems.
