Officials in Nepal are launching a campaign to clean up Mt. Everest by June 2012.

Decades of welcoming sightseers, hikers, and adventure-seekers has taken its toll on the world’s tallest mountain and the surrounding Khumbu Valley.

Now, the Nepal Tourism Board is teaming up with Everest Summiteers Association (ESA) and Eco Himal to "Save Mt. Everest.”

Together they hope to remove over 8 tons of garbage from the mountain and set up 15 waste management plants in the area. Officials hope to train 100 individuals living in the region to staff the plants.

Following the clean-up, the Nepali Ministry of Environment and Science says it will enforce new guidelines for climbing and trekking expeditions.

Source: Gadling