The International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) is a US 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Our Mission is to support an ethical mountain trekking culture by promoting social, economic and environmental responsibility.

Established in 1996, IMEC was created to promote responsible and sustainable connections between travelers and the people of developing mountain regions of the world.  We have been active in Peru and Nepal.

Since 2020 IMEC has been focusing its efforts on the porters employed on Mount Kilimanjaro through its local initiative, Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO).

Funding

We depend on grants and donations to fund our projects. Please consider making a donation and help make a difference in the lives of porters.

 Donations are tax deductible according to U.S. law for U.S. donors. FIN: 84-1348903.

FOUNDER of IMEC

Scott Dimetrosky has founded the International Mountain Explorers Connection (originally called the Himalayan Explorers Club) in 1996 after completing a six-month traverse of the entire Himalayan range, through Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Disturbed by the negative environmental and cultural impacts of tourism that he witnessed on this trip, Scott created IMEC, to minimize the deleterious effects of tourism on the fragile mountain environments and cultures. Currently, Scott is not active in IMEC. He designs and evaluates energy efficiency programs in the U.S.