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  WWF 22 Sep 06
Tragic loss in Nepal crash

WWF 22 Sep 06
World's third highest mountain turned over to local communities in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal's government has turned over conservation areas surrounding Kanchenjunga — the world's third highest mountain — to a coalition of local communities.

WWF, the global conservation organization, was instrumental in the decision and will work with local communities to implement a conservation programme for the area over the next five years.

Nepal's State Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation, Gopal Rai, handed over the management of Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) today to the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council at a ceremony in Taplejung, Nepal, in the mountainous eastern part of the country.

"I am very happy to be part of this significant day when the people of Kangchenjunga take on the responsibility of managing this conservation area," said Minister Rai while addressing the community members gathered on the occasion. "I am convinced that the local communities will show even greater commitment to saving the unique natural and cultural heritage of Kangchenjunga."

The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area is known for its rich biodiversity, spectacular scenery and vibrant cultural heritage. Launched in 1998, the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area project is designed to conserve globally threatened wildlife species such as the snow leopard and red panda while supporting the local communities through health services, informal education and income generating activities.

"This is a historic day for one of the world's most spectacular natural treasures," said Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Director of WWF's Eastern Himalayas Programme. "The decision shows the government's commitment to give power to local communities, especially with regard to natural resources and equitable sharing of benefits."

Since 1998, WWF has invested US$1.5 million in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Project.

In that time, pressure on local forests has decreased while the positive attitude of locals toward wildlife conservation has increased. In addition, wildlife poaching and illegal harvesting of valuable medicinal plants have decreased and committees have been formed to monitor wildlife movement and illegal activities.

WWF will support the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council for the next five years as part of its Sacred Himalayan Landscape.

"This is a great day for the people of Kangchenjunga," added Dawa Tshering Sherpa, chairman of the KCA Management Council, which was formed in 2000 to represent all stakeholders in the Kanchenjunga region. "We are ready to take on this responsibility thanks to capacity building and local development supported by organizations like WWF."

Dr Chandra P. Gurung, WWF's Country Representative in Nepal, said he, on behalf of WWF, was very proud to be part of this effort. "The handover will be held up around the world as a positive example of people managing their natural resources and enable others to learn how to make conservation more equitable and sustainable," he said.

END NOTES:

• The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area is known for its rich biodiversity, its spectacular scenery, including Mount Kangchenjunga (8586m), and rich cultural heritage represented by the 5,254 inhabitants living within the four Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Lelep, Olangchung Gola, Tapethok and Yamphudin. In support of WWF’s Living Planet Campaign, the area was declared A Gift to the Earth in April 1997.

• The Sacred Himalayan Landscape (SHL) Programme is designed to conserve the landscapes surrounding the mountains of the eastern Himalayas while improving local livelihoods, in particular, a Himalayan landscape where the biological and cultural treasures of the world's highest sacred mountains and deepest valleys are safeguarded while traditional rights over resource use are ensured, and livelihoods of mountain people are enhanced and sustained. The programme has been endorsed by Nepal's Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation. A Sacred Himalayan Landscape Strategic Plan has been prepared under the leadership of the ministry and key partners.

WWF 22 Sep 06
Tragic loss in Nepal crash

WWF is deeply saddened at the loss of life in Saturday’s helicopter crash in the mountainous far-east of Nepal.

"The helicopter has been found, and it appears that there are no survivors, but we are waiting for final confirmation," WWF International Director General James Leape said this morning.

The wreckage of the Shree Air helicopter was found today 1.8 kilometres (1.15 miles) from Ghunsa village. Rescuers had been looking for the crash site since the helicopter disappeared shortly after noon Nepal time (6.00 GMT) on Saturday. It was found by a search team who had hiked in on foot.

"We send our condolences to the families of all those who were involved in this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the families, and we are doing everything we can to support them," Leape said.

Seven WWF staff from its offices in Nepal, the UK and the US, were on board, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives of other agencies, journalists and Russian crew members.

If confirmed, the deaths will amount to the biggest single loss of life in WWF’s 45-year history.

"The colleagues we have lost had dedicated their lives to conserving the extraordinary natural resources of Nepal and of the Earth. Their deaths are a huge blow to conservation efforts in Nepal, and worldwide. They will be greatly missed," Leape said. "WWF appreciates the efforts of the authorities and all the help of local communities in the search to find our colleagues and partners,” he added.

The helicopter was on its way back from a trip to a conservation site at Ghunsa, in Kangchenjunga, in eastern Nepal in the Himalayas near the border with India.

It was due to land in Taplejung 20 minutes later but failed to arrive. An air and land search was quickly begun, but was hampered by poor weather conditions, which reduced visibility, and the remote location.

The helicopter was returning from an inauguration ceremony which saw the Nepalese government turn over the conservation of the wildlife and habitats surrounding Kangchenjunga — the world's third-highest mountain — to a coalition of local communities.

The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area is known for its rich biodiversity, spectacular scenery and vibrant cultural heritage. Launched in 1998, it is designed to conserve globally threatened wildlife species such as the snow leopard and red panda while supporting the local communities through health services, informal education and income- generating activities.
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