Carstensz Pyramid is not just another mountain. Rising to 4,884 meters above sea level in the heart of Papua, it stands inside the Lorentz National Park, a protected conservation area and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1997. Its permanent snow in the tropics, dramatic limestone walls, and deep cultural meaning make it one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Because of this global recognition, Carstensz attracts climbers from all over the world. Unfortunately, popularity also brings responsibility, and in recent years one serious issue has become increasingly visible: the waste left behind on the mountain.
During field surveys conducted by the Lorentz National Park Authority, scattered trash was found at several strategic points along the climbing route, especially around basecamp areas. Most of this waste came from illegal or unmanaged climbs and from climbers who failed to take responsibility for their gear and supplies. Plastic bottles, food packaging, leftover equipment, banners, and even vandalism marks have been documented over the years.
In mid-2025, more than 600 kilograms of plastic waste and food packaging were removed from the Merren Valley basecamp area through a joint cleanup effort involving Freeport and Lorentz National Park. In some cases, waste had to be transported out by helicopter during environmental monitoring flights or emergency evacuations. This alone shows how difficult, costly, and damaging careless behavior can be in such a remote environment.
This is where the principle of Leave No Trace becomes essential. Leave No Trace is not a slogan. It is a mindset. Everything you bring into the mountain must leave with you. On a place like Carstensz, waste does not decompose easily. Plastic, metal, and synthetic materials can remain for decades, silently damaging fragile alpine ecosystems.
But this responsibility does not stop at Carstensz. Every mountain, forest, river, and trail deserves the same respect. Being a climber means being a guardian of nature, not just a visitor chasing a summit photo. Skill, experience, and professionalism lose their meaning when someone leaves trash behind.
Climbing legally, responsibly, and with proper operators is one of the key steps toward protecting Carstensz. Reducing unnecessary gear, managing food supplies wisely, and strictly packing out all waste are simple actions that make a real difference. The mountain gives us an unforgettable experience; the least we can do is leave it exactly as we found it.
Carstensz does not belong to climbers. It belongs to nature, to future generations, and to the people of Papua whose land we pass through. Respecting Leave No Trace is not optional. It is the minimum standard for anyone who truly calls themselves a mountaineer.
Protect Carstensz. Respect every mountain. Leave nothing behind except footprints, and take nothing away except memories.
