Multinationals such as Amway and Motorola will take part in the project, which is aimed at raising awareness of environmental protection and prevent further pollution on the mountain.

Gao Dengyi, president of the China Association for Scientific Expedition, said human activity on the mountain has threatened its delicate ecological balance.

"We have detected increasing amounts of contaminating substances on the snowcap," Gao said at a weekend press conference in Beijing, jointly organized by his association and the Sports Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region.

Gao said data collected by scientists shows that contaminants such as DDT and lead are appearing in greater amounts as expeditions to the peak have become increasingly popular in recent years.

From 1921 to 1960, only 15 groups ascended Qomolongma. But in 1998 alone, about 20,000 tourists reached the region.

An estimated 615 tons of waste were left on the mountain between 1921 and 1999. In recent years, the amount of waste has been growing by 45 tons annually.

To prevent further pollution, a group of nearly 100 volunteers plan to clear waste left in the areas higher than 6,500 meters above sea level.

Amway, one of major sponsors of the event, said the company launched a nationwide campaign last year to clear up China's famous mountains and rivers.

"To prevent Qomolongma from being further polluted is the goal of the campaign," said Audie Wong, president of Amway (China).

Wong said the company has already supported Chinese scientists' research in Antarctic and Arctic regions.

Qun Zeng, head of the sports bureau, said the local government will mobilize more forces to take part in the environmental event and clear up the waste as soon as possible.

(China Daily June 7, 2004)