For Immediate Release: August 31, 2007 Contact: Lyn Soudien Tel: (202) 452-1636 x 106 Fax: (202) 452-1635 Email: [email protected]

THE MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE TO HONOR IN WASHINGTON, DC ON OCTOBER 25 TH , 2007

The Mountain Institute (TMI), the only international non-profit organization devoted solely to the protection of mountain ecosystems and communities, will recognize Greg Mortenson for Excellence in Educating Mountain Communities at its Annual Awards Dinner in Washington, DC on October 25 th , 2007. Tickets or tables for this event may be purchased online at www.mountain.org or by emailing [email protected] .

Co-author of bestseller (http://www.threecupsoftea.com/Intro.php ), Greg’s heroism and philanthropy have inspired and uplifted readers around the world. His experience of having to abort his 1993 attempt to climb , and nursed back to health for seven weeks by Pakistani villagers, changed his life. By early 2007, Mortenson’s Institute had established over 58 schools in remote mountain communities that have educated 24,000 children, 14,000 of which are girls. Greg is a living hero to the rural communities of war-torn and , where he has gained the trust of Islamic leaders, elders, commanders, and tribal chiefs for his tireless championing of education.

NBC newscaster, , calls Mortenson “one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, who is really changing the world.” , founder of USA Today , says that “Mortenson doesn’t just climb mountains. He moves them, and through his dedication and determination, has given hope to thousands of children in a region of turmoil.”

Mortenson is an advocate of girls’ education as one of the major solution to bring economic development, peace and prosperity to impoverished societies, and says: “you can drop bombs, become a suicide terrorist, build roads, or put in electricity – but until the girls are educated, society won’t change.” His cross-cultural expertise has brought him to speak on Capitol Hill, The Pentagon, US State Department, thinktanks and numerous non-profit organizations.

About The The mission of the Central Asia Institute is to promote and provide community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. The word ikat is used in the name of the organizations web address www.ikat.org because ikat is the extraordinary silk fabric woven throughout Central Asia. Each strand is individually dyed, then woven into stunning, vibrant patters which are recognized from village to village. The name ikat symbolizes the strength, beauty and resilience of the Central Asia communities the organization serves.

About The Mountain Institute (TMI) The mission of The Mountain Institute (TMI) is to improve mountain livelihoods, conserve mountain environments, and support mountain cultures. For thirty-five years the programs of TMI have benefited communities, cultures and ecosystems in twelve countries on four continents. Currently we are launching one of the first integrated studies of the social, economic and biophysical impacts of climate change on mountain regions and their down-stream populations. Since mountains are the natural water towers of the world, climate change will impact irrigation, hydro-electricity, inland waterways and potable water in both mountain and downstream communities. As a recognized leader with extensive field experience and one of the founders of a world-wide network of people and organizations committed to mountain communities, we are uniquely situated to document climate change, assist communities to formulate appropriate responses, and ensure that the results are shared among mountain communities on multiple continents.

Bob Davis President and CEO Email: [email protected]