(Posted 25th February 2026)
The International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) is proud to announce its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of transforming the mountain trekking industry from the ground up. Since its founding in 1996, IMEC has been the silent engine behind ethical trekking, ensuring that the “people behind the summit photos” are treated with the dignity, safety, and fairness they deserve.
From Inspiration to Accountability
What began as a mission to minimize the environmental and social impact of mountain tourism has evolved into a global standard for labour rights in the trekking industry. Through its flagship program, the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), IMEC has revolutionized the industry in Tanzania, moving the needle on fair wages, transparent tipping, and proper gear for the mountain crews who make high-altitude dreams a reality.
“For 30 years, IMEC has done the work that makes ethical mountain climbing possible, not just inspirational,” says Matthew Kearns, Founder of TribalTourist. “The porters fund helps those on the mountain secure fair portage fees, creating a huge positive impact on their lives.”
The “30 for 30” Industry Challenge
To mark this milestone, IMEC is calling on the global travel trade: tour operators, travel agents, and adventure brands to step up. The organization has launched a fundraising goal of $30,000 USD; one dollar for every year of commitment to ethical mountain tourism.
“This is not charity. This is accountability,” says Corne Schalkwyk, IMEC Board Member. “If your business sells adventure or promotes Kilimanjaro, this is your call to action. No summit is worth reaching if the mountain crew pays the price for it. We are asking the industry to help us raise the bar for the next 30 years.“
How the Trade Can Support
IMEC invites industry partners to contribute to the future of responsible trekking. Funds raised will directly support:
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensuring partner operators adhere to fair labour standards.
- Education: Providing mountain crews with English language skills and skills development, first aid, and environmental training.
- Advocacy: Expanding the reach of ethical standards to other fragile mountain regions.
Join the movement at: https://mountainexplorers.org/donate/
About IMEC
The International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization promoting social, economic, and environmental responsibility in the trekking industry. By bridging the gap between international operators and local crews, IMEC fosters a sustainable culture of respect for the world’s most iconic peaks.
