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EcoCircularVOL 41 NO. 7 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2006 N E W S L E T T E R - M E M O R I A L I S S U E

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In their name

On 23 September 2006, we suffered a terribletragedy. Twenty-four people were taken from usin Kangchenjunga. Among them were ourleaders, colleagues, and friends. At this time, werise above the sorrow and seek comfort in thelegacy that they left behind. As we make ourway into the future, our path is lit by theirdedication and passion for a living planet.

They will always be a part of us.

Anil ManandharCountry Representative

What we have enjoyed and deeply loved we can never losefor all that we deeply love becomes a part of us. ~ Helen Keller

For thepeopleThose who we lost so tragically in Kangchenjunga were there tocelebrate a landmark in the Nepal’s conservation history. Late MrGopal Rai, Minister of State of the Ministry of Forests and SoilConservation handed over the management of KangchenjungaConservation Area to a local management council at a ceremony inTaplejung on Friday, 22 September 2006.

The people of Kangchenjunga have long expressed their eagernessto take on the responsibility of this conservation area and this moveshowed the commitment of the Government of Nepal towards thedevolution of power to local communities, especially with regard tonatural resources and equitable sharing of benefits.

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InsideQuotes 3Profile 4Six Days 6That Last Day 11

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The Kangchenjunga Conservation AreaManagement Council was formed in 2000and represents stakeholders from sevenConservation Area User Committees, 44 UserGroups, and 32 Mother Groups. Thesecommunity-based institutions were involved inall Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Projectactivities, implemented by the Department ofNational Parks and Wildlife Conservation withthe technical and financial support ofWWF Nepal.

The Kangchenjunga Conservation AreaManagement Plan was submitted by thecouncil to the Department of National Parksand Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forestsand Soil Conservation, in July 2004 and wasapproved by the cabinet of the Governmentof Nepal on 31 August 2006. The goal of themanagement plan is that biodiversity ofKangchenjunga Conservation Area ismanaged by local communities to ensureecological integrity and bring socio-economicbenefits.

Minister Gopal Rai (Left) handing over the certificate toDawa Sherpa, Chairperson, KCAMC

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he Kangchenjunga Conservation Area is knownfor its rich biodiversity, its spectacular scenerywith Mount Kangchenjunga (8,586m), and richcultural heritage represented by the 5,254

inhabitants living within the four Village DevelopmentCommittees (VDCs) of Lelep, Olangchung Gola,Tapethok and Yamphudin. In support of WWF's LivingPlanet Campaign, it was declared A Gift to the Earth inApril 1997.

The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Project waslaunched on 22 March 1998 to conserve globallythreatened wildlife species such as the snow leopardcombined with local development activities like thepromotion of health services, informal education, andincome generating activities.

The Sacred Himalayan Landscape is a landscapeapproach to biodiversity conservation and improving locallivelihoods in the Eastern Himalaya. The concept andvision has been endorsed by the Ministry of Forests andSoil Conservation. A Sacred Himalayan LandscapeStrategic Plan has been prepared under the leadership

of the ministry and key partners. The vision of the SHLis "a Himalayan landscape where the biological andcultural treasures of the world's highest sacred mountainsand deepest valleys are safeguarded while traditionalrights over resource use are ensured, and livelihoods ofmountain people are enhanced and sustained."

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QUOTES

“WWF is privileged to be part of such an important occasion.This is indeed a big win that illustrates that governments,partners, and local communities can work together to achieveimportant conservation results that benefits the grassrootsand ensures a living planet for us all.”

~ Dr Jill Bowling~ Dr Jill Bowling~ Dr Jill Bowling~ Dr Jill Bowling~ Dr Jill BowlingConservation Director, WWF UK

“We are very proud to be part of this effort. The handover willbe held up around the world as a positive example of peoplemanaging their natural resources and enable learning on howto make conservation more equitable and sustainable.”

~ Dr Chandra P Gurung~ Dr Chandra P Gurung~ Dr Chandra P Gurung~ Dr Chandra P Gurung~ Dr Chandra P GurungCountry Representative of WWF Nepal

“This is a great day for the people ofKangchenjunga. We are ready to take on thisresponsibility thanks to capacity building andlocal development supported by organizationslike WWF.”

~ Dawa Tshering Sherpa~ Dawa Tshering Sherpa~ Dawa Tshering Sherpa~ Dawa Tshering Sherpa~ Dawa Tshering SherpaChairman of KCA Management Council

“I am very happy to be part of this significantday when the people of Kangchenjunga takeon the responsibility of managing thisconservation area. I am convinced that localcommunities will show even greatercommitment to saving the unique naturaland cultural heritage of Kangchenjunga.”

~ Minister Gopal RaiMinister Gopal RaiMinister Gopal RaiMinister Gopal RaiMinister Gopal RaiMinistry of Forests and Soil Conservation

“WWF is greatly encouraged by successes like what has happened inKangchenjunga. I would like to congratulate the Government of Nepal and thepeople for working through a decade of conflict to reach this pinnacle of achievement.”

~ Mingma Norbu Sherpa~ Mingma Norbu Sherpa~ Mingma Norbu Sherpa~ Mingma Norbu Sherpa~ Mingma Norbu SherpaManager of Eastern Himalayan Ecoregion Complex, WWF US


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Dr Chandra PrasadGurungDr Chandra Prasad Gurungwas the CountryRepresentative of WWF Nepalfrom July 1999.

Born in Siklis, a remote Gurungvillage in the Annapurna area,

Chandra had a Master’s Degree in RuralDevelopment Planning from the Asian Institute ofTechnology in Thailand and a PhD in Geography fromthe University of Hawaii.

Dr Gurung designed and implemented Nepal’s firstcommunity-based integrated conservation anddevelopment project, the Annapurna ConservationArea Project, and also served as Member Secretary ofthe King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation.

He was awarded the Knight, First Class, Order of theLion of Finland, the Birendra Aisworya Sewa Padak,the Order of the Golden Ark, the Prabal GorkhaDakshin Bahu and the Mahendra Bidya Bhusan.

He is survived by his wife, one daughter and threesons.

Dr Harka GurungDr Harka Gurung served as an advisorto WWF Nepal and was associatedwith New ERA, a research andconsultancy firm.

He completed his Bachelor’s Degree atPatna College in India and had a PostGraduate Diploma in Geography and a

PhD from the University of Edinburgh. His academicassignments include Demonstrator at the University ofEdinburgh, Research Fellow at the School of Oriental andAfrican Studies in the University of London, Lecturer atTribhuvan University in Kathmandu and Visiting Fellow at thePopulation Institute, the East West Centre in Honolulu.

Dr Gurung served the government of Nepal at different timesas Member and Vice-Chairman of the National PlanningCommission, Minister of State for Education, Industry andCommerce, Tourism, Public Works and Transport. He wasDirector of the Asia Pacific Development Center, an inter-governmental organization based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Jennifer HeadleyJenn worked as the WWF-UK’s Coordinatorfor Himalaya/South Asia Programme. Shejoined WWF-UK in August 2003. Prior tothis, Jenn had worked with the Canadiangovernment in Alaska, and in Nepal for twoyears, one of which was with WWF Nepalsupporting species conservation. She wasbased in Nepal in her current role, focused

on community-based conservation in the EasternHimalayas, since November 2005.

Jenn had a Bachelors Degree in Political Science &Philosophy from McMaster University in Canada, where shewas the recipient of the McMaster Chancellor’s Scholarshipand Director’s Award for Dedication to ResidenceGovernment. She also held a Masters Degree in PublicAdministration (M.P.A.) from Queen’s University, Kingston,Canada, 1996, where she received the Queen’s UniversityGraduate Award.

Jennifer was an important part of the WWF Nepal familywhere she lent her expertise and supported importantinitiatives in the region.

She was a Canadian national who is survived by herparents and two sisters.

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Yeshi Choden LamaYeshi was part of the WWF Nepalfamily since 1997. She wasresponsible for administering,monitoring and reporting on ourmountain programs and projects.Yeshi completed her Master’sDegree in Sociology andAnthropology from the School of

Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London, UK and aBachelors Degree in Sociology and Anthropology fromMiddlebury College, Vermont, USA.

Among her many achievements was co-authoringpublications both in English and Tibetan languages someof which are: Medicinal Plants of Dolpo, Amchis’ Knowledgeand Conservation: Conservation of Plant Resources,Community Development and Training in AppliedEthnobotany at Shey-Phoksundo National Park and itsBuffer Zone, Dolpa: Snow Leopards in Nepal (in Tibetan,with Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok) and Where There Is No Doctor:Building Capacity of the Himalayan Amchi a paperpresented at the Rangelands Workshop organized byICIMOD, Lhasa in May 2002.

Yeshi is survived by her husband and two children.


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Dr Tirtha Man MaskeyDr Tirtha Man Maskey was the co-chair of IUCN Rhino SpecialistGroup (AsRSG) before which hehad a distinguished career in theDepartment of National Parks andWildlife Conservation where hewas the Director General.

A well-known and respected conservationist, Dr Maskeybecame a warden of Chitwan National Park in 1972. Hecompleted his Master’s Degree on Wildlife Managementat the University of Michigan in 1978. He received a PhDin 1979 from the University of Florida for Wildlife andRange Management, specializing in GharialConservation. He discovered a new frog species, namedTomopterna maskeyi in his honour, and authoredseveral important works.

Along with the prestigious Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, healso received various awards including the Order ofGolden Ark and WWF’s highest award, the Duke ofEdinburgh Conservation Medal in 2005.

Dr Maskey is survived by his wife and two sons.

Mingma Norbu SherpaMingma Sherpa was theManaging Director of the EasternHimalayas Ecoregion Complex atWWF US.

He was one of the first students tohave graduated from the HillaryKhumjung School. Mingma went

on to receive a diploma in Parks and Recreation fromLincoln College, University of Canterbury in NewZealand and a Masters degree in Natural ResourcesManagement from the University of Manitoba.

He served as the park warden for Sagarmatha NationalPark in Nepal. He joined WWF as the director of theHimalayan program for WWF’s Nepal, Bhutan andHimalayan Program. He was the Country Representativeof WWF Bhutan and Nepal for six years prior to his moveto the United States in 1998.

Mingma was a recipient of the Gorkha Dhaksin Bahumedal and the Order of the Golden Ark Award from HisRoyal Highness Prince Bernard of the Netherlands.

Mingma is survived by his wife and a son and daughter.

Matthew PreeceMatthew has been with WWFUS since May 2006. He broughtto WWF five years of domesticand international non-profitexperience and consultancies inIndia, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru,the Caribbean, Ecuador, andMexico.

Mathew received his MB.S. EnvironmentalScience, cum laude from Vanderbilt Universityand a Master’s Degree in SustainableInternational Development from BrandeisUniversity in the US.

He was an American national, and is survivedby his parents, three sisters and one brother.

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Dr Jillian Bowling SchlaepferJill worked as WWF-UK Director ofProgrammes, a role she has heldsince July 2004.

WWF-UK is a member of the WWFnetwork, which works in over 100countries. Jill leads the work of WWF-UK to support conservation

programmes around the world and also within the UKtackling global threats, such as climate changethrough business and government advocacystrategies.

Jill joined WWF-UK from WWF-International whereshe was Deputy Director the Forests Programme fortwo years. Prior to that, she worked as a Director atthe International Federation of Building and WoodWorkers in Switzerland, in the Oregon Department ofForestry (USA) and in the Australian Federal PublicService.

While educated in Australia Jill had dual Swiss andAustralian nationality. She was married to RodolphShlaepfer and had permanent residence inSwitzerland.


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he excitement started one daybefore, almost 5 pm, when I wastold to join the team that was goingto Kangchenjunga for the historical

event – the first time in the history of world’sconservation that a conservation area was tobe handed over to a local community.Although I felt a bit uncomfortable to tell myhusband and 5-year-old son that I was goingthe next morning, I was excited to be a partthat event since my career in WWF hadbegun in the mountains.

22 September: 22 September: 22 September: 22 September: 22 September: The journey started earlymorning. Jennifer and I had a plan to brief Jillon the Koshi Basin as we would be flyingaround that area during the entire flight. I gotan opportunity to sit beside Dr. Parajuli duringthe flight and discovered that he knew myfather so we talked about our families. Westopped to pick up Minister Gopal Rai butdue to bad weather, the pilot had to land in

Boarding the helicopter

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My time with themSix Days:

NEERA SHRESTHA PRADHANManager, Freshwater Program

Okeldhunga army barrack. It took almost 5hours for the Minister to reach the barrack.

Dr. Chandra Gurung told us to have lunch inOkheldhunga bazaar and said that he will joinus later. A hazy day with light rainfall, slipperyhills, we managed to reach the main bazaarbuying umbrellas and even shoes for Pauli. Sothe group divided. Mingma ji led us to“Solokhumbu hotel” where we had masu-bhat. I still remember Mingma ji talking abouthis family and how their names are givenaccording to the days that they are born. Wealso got an opportunity to see Okheldhungabazaar and the real “Okhel” and “dhunga”after which the name of the place was given.Jill also took the opportunity to buy asouvenir, reminding Jennifer and myself not tobargain much on the price as she wasconcerned about the shopkeeper’s profit.

It was almost evening when we landed inPhungling in Kangchenjunga. Jill wasdelighted to see people in colorful dresseswaiting for us. We were all very tired but itfaded thanks to the enthusiasm and warmwelcome expressed by the community. Wewent directly to the conference hall wherethe historical event was going to take place –a moment that never came before in theworld’s history of conservation!

Finally, amongst the grand ceremony inKangchenjunga, the Conservation Area washanded over by the Government of Nepal tothe local community for its management.


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It was like a dream coming true,especially for Dr. Gurung! I could feelthe sense of satisfaction in hisdimpled smile and sparkling eyesduring Dawa dai’s speech. Fromdeep inside my heart I prayed to Godfor giving me the opportunity to livethis historical moment with them! Thelocal people and all the politicalparties showed their commitment incarrying this responsibility forward. Iwhispered to Jennifer, “You see, nowwe will have no problem working inKangchenjunga!”

The historical evening ended up in agrand party with a short culturalprogram organized by the localcommunity. I was watching Bhesh,Jayanendra and Ang ji who were allin a very good mood. After all, thiswas the day for that they hadworked so hard towards with thepeople of Kangchenjunga. I could seeJennifer and Margret dancing as Dr.Gurung began his favourite song“Sorah barsae jawani ma mai panijhilke hudo hu, ahile po bhudo bhayeni…”

It was almost 10:30 pm when wewalked the ten minutes to the hotel. Iremember telling Jennifer and Jillthat, “No one could have imaginedthat people could walk around thislate in Kangchenjunga. Now thegood times are back!” Jennifer and Ihad shared the room that night. Wewere tired that we did not feel likegossiping any more so we went tosleep.

23 September: 23 September: 23 September: 23 September: 23 September: We woke up earlyand the first thing Jennifer told mewas, “Neera, I am so happy that youare here, tara ke garne, I am sadbecause though we shared theroom, we could not talk much. Wewill have a long chat after we goback to Kathmandu, huncha”. Afterbreakfast, Dr Gurung told all of us togo to the toilet before leaving thehotel just in case there were no

Having lunch in Okhaldhunga

Dr. Chandra Gurung at the handover ceremony

Jennifer Headley and Neera with local women

From L-R: Bijnan Acharya, Dr. Chandra Gurung andMingma Norbu Sherpa

provisions later. I was the last oneand was amazed to find Dr. Gurungwaiting for me. I wondered all theway to the helipad about a man whowas head of the organization, andcared so much for all his staff!

It was a Saturday and a weeklymarket was going on. We wentaround, took photographs and thenwent to a small shop, very famous inPhungling for its coffee. I did not feellike drinking but Dr. Gurung insisted,“Leh, ke ho Neera, Kangchenjungaayera pani yaha ko coffee khayenabhane ta ke Kangchenjunga ayekobhayo ra? Yo ta bhayena.. khanaiparcha.” So I had a taste and really,his words were very true.

It was time to go to Ghunsa. I calledmy husband and told him that wewere leaving and that I would seehim in the evening at Kathmandu.The availability of the seat was todecide my journey to Ghunsa. Ihoped there was a free seat for mebut at the last moment I was toldthat all the seats were taken…badluck this time!

“Come on, Neera, let’s go!” saidJennifer with a beaming smile. Iexplained that I couldn’t go and sheconsoled me. She hugged me andwhispered in my ears, “Don’t worry,I’ll bring good photographs for you sothat you can use Photoshop to pasteyour photo in. It will make others feelas if you have also been there.” Igave her my hat to protect her fromthe rain and sun. We said goodbye,not knowing that it would be lasttime.

I came back to our office, had lunchand visited the bazaar to buy a fewgifts for my son, knowing that the firstthing he will do after my arrival will beto open my bag and innocentlydemand, “What have you brought forme?”


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Waiting for the returnof the helicopter, Iwas watching TVtogether with ourlocal staff, Muktibhai’s family. Wereceived a messagethat the helicopterhad flown fromGhunsa. Wegathered our luggage

and waited…and waited…and waited. Halfan hour turned into forty-five minutes. Theydid not come. Suddenly a helicopter landed inSuketar. We thought that they could not landin Phungling so went to Suketar. Then wewere informed that the helicopter was notours. It had come for a rescue. “A rescue?Why? For whom?” I wondered.

Mukti bhai’s sister entered the room. Shewas crying and told me that something mighthave gone wrong with our helicopter becausethe flight from Ghunsa to Phungling is onlyfifteen minutes. I shouted, “Nonsense! Whatare you talking about?” My legs wereshaking. I was frightened. I ran out from theroom and saw Ghana ji and Ang ji very tense.They told me that our helicopter was missing– with everyone on board, including Yeshi jiand Matt.

TV channels started giving the flashing newsof the missing helicopter. I suddenly thoughtof the phone call that I made to my husband

earlier in the day. I quickly called home to tellhim that I had not gone.

Now we all knew that the helicopter wasmissing. Where could it have gone, wewondered. Perhaps it went to PathivaraBagwati temple, maybe a forced landing. Noone had an answer. I was unfamiliar with thesituation but Ghana ji, Ang ji, Thakur ji, Bheshand Jayanendra, were able to analyze thesituation and tentatively locate where thehelicopter might have gone missing accordingto local information.

It was late. There was no news. Thakur ji andI were asked to identify the luggage at thehelipad. Since I had flown with them fromKathmandu, I could easily identify some. Therest, we had to open. I remember NarayanSir’s bag. There was a big holy book andspecial clothes (lungi) that wore while readingit early in the morning. I thought, “God, howcan you do this someone who had so muchfaith in you!” Afterwards, everything wassealed together with army officials and left inthe barracks.

Back to the office, the tension had grown. Iwas really frightened and called home, askingmy husband to bring me back to Kathmanduby any means. A phone call from Anil jichanged my decision. “Neera, we know youare strong, and now you have to coordinatethe situation from there,” he told me, makingme realize that all of us were given specifictasks to help the rescue and I could notdisappoint them. I knew that my friends inKathmandu were also working very hard tohandle this unexpected situation but I alwaysfelt how lucky they were. At least they couldgo back to their home at night and sharetheir pain! During this time I was fullysupported by Mukti bhai’s family, especiallyhis 12-year-old daughter who kept mecompany when our days in Phungling were anightmare.

24 September: 24 September: 24 September: 24 September: 24 September: The weather was veryunpredictable, which was frustrating. I wishedI had a big pair of scissors to cut the cloudsso that the four rescue helicopters could dotheir job. But alas, nothing was possible the

At the 'haat ', the local market in Phungling

Jennifer Headley at the market


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whole day. Given the difficulty of the terrainand the time, some locals suggested theremight not be any survivors. “Don’t bepessimistic!” I told them strongly, “Godcannot be so cruel to those who came herefor a good cause!” I did not want to evenlisten to any negative comments. I told themthat they must be somewhere in a cave, asafe landing. I closed my eyes and I saw Dr.Gurung clapping and singing, and Jenniferdancing in the middle of a forest. “Forests,are there any forests around?” I asked them.To my dismay, the reply was no, just steeprocky hills.

The day passed without any progress. Ianswered every phone call, longing to hearsome good news. There were regular phonecalls from my home and friends. One of themwas Laxmi didi with whom I poured my heartout. At last, the news came that Ang ji andGhana ji had reached Gyabla. We wereconfident that within 5 hours there would besome news about the helicopter.

25 September: 25 September: 25 September: 25 September: 25 September: The weather cleared–asclear as crystal. Oh, how I wish we hadpostponed our trip for two days! Every time Ipicked up the phone, I wished it was goodnews of a safe landing with every one alive,no matter if bones are broken or other majorinjuries.

Then we heard that the helicopter was found.I was very happy because now there was aray of hope. I was confident that it would begood news. The phone rang. It was Anil jiwho said, “Neera, you must have heard whathas happened. Be strong. Stay there and wewill let you know what to do next.” I thought,yes, I know, the helicopter was found.Immediately there was a second phone call.Mohan ji said, “Neera ji, the helicopter wasfound. No one survived!” Was that what Anil jimeant? The phone rang almost immediately.It was Sarala didi, “Neera, ke bhayo? Kechha khabar?” She wanted the status as shewas not in Kathmandu. But the previousnews had left me speechless. I just cried myheart out, cried like I never have before. “Didi,bad news, please call Kathmandu.” I couldspeak no more. I cried and with me, the

whole room wept. No one had the courageto lend a shoulder. Our hearts were brokenand the pain was unbearable.

26 September: 26 September: 26 September: 26 September: 26 September: I heard that due to thedifficult terrain, the work was getting difficult.So it took the whole day to get themtogether.

27 September: 27 September: 27 September: 27 September: 27 September: Kiran bahini took me toSuketar airport in the morning, from where Iwas to take another helicopter toKathmandu. I was leaving Kangchunjungawith heavy heart. “Why did this happen?What went wrong?” we asked each other allthe way to the airport. Maybe that was theircommon destiny.

I tried my best not to cry but tears camerolling from my eyes all the way toKathmandu. I kept thinking of how excitedwe were when we came to hand over theconservation area to the local community andmaking history. How happy we all were.Instead of being on the WWF Family retreatthe following day, I was returning on ahelicopter, alone, followed by anotherhelicopter, which was carrying the “bodies” ofthose whom I had so much respect—myfriends, my conservation leaders.

Neera samples the coffee recommended by Dr. Gurung


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In Kathmandu, I realized that my husband had gone through as much pain as me in thosedays. Since I was not able to think about myself when I was in Kangchenjunga, maybe myhusband was doing all that for me. We sometimes reflect upon those days. Painful as it wasbefore, but now I can share my feelings with my husband and my little son, no longer as aloneas I was during those days in Kangchenjunga.

I still ask myself why it happened. My eyes fill with tears when people talk about them. It stillhurts, perhaps because I was so close to the end of those with whom we worked togetherwith as a family. It must be the bond that Dr. Gurung rooted into us: the strength to help eachother, the courage to stand for our rights, the care and the ‘panda pats’ he gave us toacknowledge even our smallest achievements.

We had gone there for one day and stayed for six days. Those six days, I learnt a lot, as if Ihave lived six hundred years. I realized the dedication of our field staffs and felt the willingnessof the community to help each other. I saw people ready to walk together for the rescueoperation without warm clothes or food in such cold weather. I believed in their faith, I trustedtheir belief. We shared our pain. We cried together with during the tragedy. But we also sharedhappiness during the handover of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which made a historyin world’s conservation. Most of all, I lived the historical moment with all the conservationleaders who rested in peace on the lap of the sacred Himalayas- Kangchenjunga!

They have not died. They lived and showed us a path to follow.

People of KangchenjungaGhunsa 23 September 2006

~ Jennifer Headley


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In Ghunsa, 23 September 2006

Dr Jill Bowling, Jennifer, Khagendra whois the Secretary of District JournalistFederation, and I had a 20-minute talk nearthe helipad waiting for the weather to clear asDr. Chandra Gurung was being interviewedby local journalists. Jill was congratulating meon the grand success of the KCA handoverceremony. She was very curious to knowmore about our work in the project and Ibriefed her concisely. Jill was so happy withKCAP that just before departing to Ghunsashe gave me four very old stones saying thatin her culture it was given thank someone.She told me love, happiness andappreciation. I wish that her love forKangchenjunga continues forever now thatshe is not with us.

Dr. Harka Gurung lost a spectacle on 22September, the day of the handoverceremony when he slipped in the dark. Earlynext morning, I searched for his spectacles allaround the edges of the wall and finally foundit. It had been stepped upon and the lens hadfallen out. I washed it carefully and gave it tohim. He was so thankful to me that he said,

BHESH RAJ OLI, Field Project OfficerKangchenjunga Conservation Area Project

These are just afew memories Ihave of the finaldays that I spentwith our friends inKangchenjunga.

ThatLast Day

“You gave me my eyes, thank you bhai,” andstarted to write something in his notebook.Sorry Dr. Harka, the eyes that I found for youwill no longer see the brightness ofKangchenjunga. But the future you gave tothe people in your short and importantspeech at the ceremony will continue toinspire us.

And I remember the last few words of lovefrom Dr Chandra Gurung on his way into thehelicopter. He told us that we had done agreat job making the handover ceremony asuccess. He also told me to get ready to flyfor Kathmandu after they return back fromGhunsa. After they took off, we startedarranging for the bidai, the farewell. We cutceremonial khatas, made packets of churpiand cardamom for every guest including thehelicopter crew. Dr. Gurung had instructedme to buy the spice for everyone to have alittle of. In my excitement I told Ang Phuri ji,“Antim bidai ta ramrai sanga garaun na”(Let’s do their last farewell properly). I meantto Kathmandu. Little did I know that was thefinal goodbye.

Bhesh with Jill Bowling

Ghunsa pics: Carlos Fuentes Tovar


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He never failed to say ‘Thank you’at the end of every dayPRAJANA WAIBA PRADHAN, Assistant to the Country Representative

I never seen or met a leader like Dr Chandra P Gurung. He was a truemotivator and an employer who actually wanted the best for his employees,be it personal or professional. He was always inquiring whether everyone wasfine or was passing though a bad phase and he would make sure that he didsomething in this grasp to make it easier.

His conservation efforts and achievements are widely known to all but beinghis assistant for just one year and a little more taught me how focused hewas. He motivated me to move ahead and always had time to listen. He wasa father figure not just to me but I guess to everyone in the office. There weretimes when he couldn’t understand the complexities of the modern IT world. Iused to have a difficult time whenever I heard him on the other end of thephone or telling me in person that his broadband did not work or his mobilehad been infected by a virus! It was times like these that made me tense ashe would call at any time of the day but it made also made me smile andlaugh to see the child in him with all his inquisitiveness.

I will miss his smile at the end of the day whenever he was ready to leave forhome. He would say, “Maisaab, I’m gone,” and there was something thatalways touched me at the end of the day when he always said “Thank you”. Ihad never heard of anything like that, we all wish good byes and good nights buthe was one person who never failed to say “Thank you” at the end of every day.

The day before the fateful crash, I last heard him on the phone when he calledto tell me that they were at Okhaldhunga and had been delayed. He said itwas raining and sounded a bit frustrated but I could sense the excitement inhis voice as he chuckled speaking of the event that was scheduled atTaplejung later that afternoon. That was the last time I spoke to him.

I mourn him deeply but I also believe that we should celebrate his life andwhat he did for conservation and community. I will miss you Sir! I thank youfor teaching me and guiding me. I can never forget this exceptional year that Ispent with you working as your assistant!

Prajana (bottom) with Dr. Gurung13th WWF Nepal Anniversary, 19 May 2006

RememberingDr Chandra Gurung


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“Khai natchgan chhaina?”BASANT SUBBA,Field Communications Officer

It was on the eve of an important conservation event inChitwan National Park about four or five years ago. Oneby one the bigwigs and conservationists worth their saltcongregated in front of a bonfire at Sauraha. A Tharucultural group was entertaining the early arrivals with theirtraditional dance when there was a sudden change in theatmosphere. A beaming Dr. Gurung entered the scene.“Khai natch gan chhaina?” he asked.

Suddenly a madal appeared out of nowhere and then theplace came alive with jhyaurey songs. Dr. Gurung joinedthe singers. He was so natural. Almost all the peopleseated there were left with no choice but to join him inthe dance except Dr. Harka Gurung. I looked at thesenior Gurung. He appeared to be glued to the chair.With a grim look on his scholarly face he was anythingbut the dancing type. But I was amazed when Chandrasir teased and cajoled him mimicking the jhyaurey laya tojoin others in the dance. That was the first and last time Isaw Chandra sir sing and Harks sir dance. I’ll alwayscherish the moment.

“My boss, a great learner”PRASHANT SINGH, Director –Business Relations and Operations

My boss Chandra was a greatlearner. While he taught all of usinvaluable lessons in some way or theother, he also learnt a lot from thisorganization.

I remember my first seriousconversation with him in October of2000, only a day after my joining thisoffice. I asked him a very straightquestion. I asked “As a student ofmanagement, I know for sure thatmanagement is not a ‘science’; atbest it is an ‘applied philosophy’, as there could beseveral (not just one) ways of achieving success. I,therefore, need to know from you as to what kind ofmanagement philosophy you believe in so that I could domy bit to help you.” He took a good 10-15 minutes toanswer this, full of anecdotes in his usual style. I will nottell you what he said (as he fine tuned his thoughts everysix months or so when asked the same questionadmitting by and large that we are moving in the rightdirection), but with my head held high in esteem I can tellyou this, he would have been truly proud of each one ofyou had he been here amidst us in last couple of weeks.This is precisely the culture and ethics he wanted toinculcate in all of us if I summarize all that he said overthe years. Hats off to you!!

In my one-on-one meeting with him, I always used todebate with him on the definition of a good leader.Remember him giving example umpteenth number oftimes of an ACAP junior staffer who was apparently soindispensable that without him nothing used to move. Dr.Gurung used to term “that staff” as a true leader. To him,as leaders, we should be missed when we are noaround. I had a big difference of opinion. To me a leader’sjob was to make the system and organization so strongthat no one remains indispensable, not even the leaderhimself. In our most recent discussion on this subject, hesaw value in my argument, and conceded that I wasright. His demise taught me that it was not me but hewho was right again. Today, I terribly miss you Dr.Gurung. And I have no qualms about you being our trueleader.

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Dr. Gurung with staffDashain, 2002


14

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Tff/f k|;fb 1jfnLSustainable Livelihoods Expert

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rGb| ltd|f] ;DemgfdfbL3{ ufG3f/LExtensions and Education Officer

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ufFp b]lv zx/;Ddsf] 8fS6/ ;fAf8f=3gZofd u'?ËDirector – Program Development and Support

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BANDANA YONZON LEPCHA, Human Resource & Facilities Officer

I consider myself one of those privileged ones who had anopportunity to work with Dr. Gurung very closely for morethan 6 years. He was much more than a boss. You couldsay he was more like a ‘Big Dad' to the wholeorganization always taking us in his wing. Losing him has,beyond doubt, orphaned many of us.

For me, he was a transformational leader exemplified byhis enigmatic personality, his compassionate ways andhis simplicity. He was so motivational that when he talkedhe projected his ideas into images and it excited all of usand drove us intoachieving them. He hadan exceptional ability totouch emotions. He wasalso a visionary and wasunafraid of risks tobenefit the organization.In this tenure of a littlemore than 7 years inWWF, he brought abouta strong culture and ateam with one commonvision. A perfect coachand mentor, he alwayslived by his values andinstilled positive feelingsin each one of us. He related to us in an intuitive andempathetic way. Most importantly, Dr. Gurung practicedwhat he preached, a quality rarely found in people of hiscaliber.

He never forgot to commend a job well done and alwaysmade us believe that we are the best of the best. Smallthings made him happy like haku choela made especiallyfor him by our lunch didi, hot jeris to round off a goodmeal or watching Hindi movies. He was fascinated by thenew mobile set bought for himself, a Motorola V3i, andacted like a teenage boy with his first expensive gadget!The look of pride on his face when he used to talk abouthow he won a game of golf (his latest leisure pursuit) wasreally amusing.

Not a very computer savvy person, everything thatpopped up on his computer screen had to be virus. Italways alarmed him enough to immediately call for

Prakash, our IT consultant. I remember when I hadcreated a yahoo mail account for him and several dayslater he asked me he could check his mail. I thought hewas joking but he seriously didn't know. He learntemailing somehow but not without forgetting hispassword and I had to create another mail id for him!One thing he never did learn however is to fill out hiselectronic timesheets, inspite of his very sincere efforts!Umpteenth times, I sat with him and ran a step by stepdemonstration but to no avail. Prajana continued to fill outhis timesheets…

He was a life longlearner, even enthralledby small things that hedid not know. Yet healways providedintellectual stimulation,sharing his knowledgeand intelligence with allof us. We were all inawe of his wisdom. Hewas driven by strongvalues and he gainedrespect and trust fromevery soul.

What I most admired about this larger than life figure wasthe way he communicated high expectations showingsimple ways. I miss his one-on-one advice, coaching,mentoring and the concern that he had for each andevery one of his staff. I think he lived a full life, reachedthe pinnacle of success. He traveled around the globe,enjoyed every single moment, and ultimately lost his lifefor what he loved—conservation and communities.

I consider all of us at WWF Nepal very blessed to haveshared wonderful moments with this great man but veryunfortunate that we lost a true leader and above all anextraordinary human being.

Dr Gurung, I continue to take inspiration from you as youwere and will always be the best of the best…

With staff on the 10th WWF Nepal Anniversary, 2003


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The big guy is big by theway he treats the small guySHANTI GURUNG,Intern – Sacred Himalayan Landscape

There are few people who come into your life for a shortperiod of time yet make a lasting impression. Such wasDr Chandra P Gurung, for me. He was always a part offamily conversations, especially when the topic was abouthigh-achievers from Sikles, our ancestral village. Indeed,his success was a matter of pride for all of us.

I recall my first meeting with him at my eldest sister'swedding party in 2000 when I was barely 16. I had heardso much about him since childhood that I felt I knew himfor ages. He was a hero, someone I've always tried toemulate. So when I met him at first, I was intimidated byhis height; second but most importantly, by his largerthan life persona. His charming personality, handsomesmile, and generosity always warmed my heart.

There are a few behavioral similarities between him andmy dad. Or, maybe it's just me who's seen him as afather figure. One of such is their passion for golf. He washighly enthusiastic about the sport. Dr. Gurung hasencouraged plenty of people seek direction and find theirgoals in life. He stressed the importance of goodeducation, hard work, and belief in one's own abilities.Passionate about his work, he would never miss achance to let everyone know how dedicated, talentedand efficient his WWF team was—even at family parties!!He took immense pride in his staff.

Dr. Gurung treated all his staff equally and never let themfeel any different than the others. Whether it was a smile,a wave or a hello, he made sure everyone felt welcome.There's a saying that goes, ‘The big guy is big by the wayhe treats the small guy.' Dr Gurung truly exemplified it.He was a gem of person and will be greatly missed.

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Black Ink, Orangesand Life LessonsTRISHNA GURUNGCommunications and Marketing Manager

As Dr Gurung's things were cleared from what I stillthink of his office, I noticed his bottle of ink. It was in itsbox, a little dusty and forlorn on top of a pile of circa2000 floppy disks, slides, and old magazines. That blackink ran in his favourite pen, a maroon Mont Blanc pen,which he'd use for special occasions. Dr Gurung was aman was valued tradition but was impatient with dullroutine. He learned from the past and kept pushingforward. He loved his family, made friends easily, andalways left a lasting impression.

Dr Gurung also loved ink in the printed form of books.His personal library sent me into raptures. He invested inglobal bestsellers as well as obscure titles that intriguedhim. He was a voracious reader whose interest spannedconservation, business, travel, science, and everythingin-between. To be honest, there were a few of us wholived in dread of Monday morning when he'd publiclyquiz us on current affairs, which could have a direct orindirect bearing on conservation. Dr Gurung thrived onchallenges and taught us not to be afraid of failure. In hiseyes, failure meant a worthy attempt was made, andhad merit. As a result, we strove to live up to hisexpectations and found we could be and do more thanwe thought possible.

One of Dr Gurung's favourite parables was passeddown from his father, which loses some of the originalcharm without his expressive narration. “My father wassimple man who always told me what I'm going to tellyou,” he'd say. “An unproductive orange tree is the onethat stands straight and tall but one that bears fruitlowers its branches closer to the ground so that otherscan enjoy its bounty. From this we must remember thatthe higher and more accomplished we become, it isimportant to remain humble and give back to others.” Iwill never forget that lesson on humility, grace and giving,not in the least because my boss lived by those words.

Today his bottle of ink sits on a shelf where I can see itevery time I look up from my desk. It reminds me of aremarkable man and what he believed in. It also remindsme to seek opportunities, strive to do my best, welcomechallenges, and indulge in life's simple pleasures.


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RememberingYeshi Choden Lama

The Real ThingTRISHNA GURUNG, Communicationsand Marketing Manager

Oddly, I remember her laugh. It was easy to tell whenYeshi wasn’t doing a polite version of her laugh becausethe real one was almost explosive. It burst out inmerriment, loud and spontaneous. Her kajal-rimmed eyeswould shine with mirth as her body flowed into the joy ofthat moment. I never met anyone more dedicated to herwork that Yeshi, and this is not to make her a saint. Isuppose that’s the difference really. To Yeshi, WWF waswas her work and not just a job. She was the real thingand I was awed by her dedication and humility. But todayit is her laugh that I miss hearing the most. Perhaps itsbecause when Yeshi laughed it reflected how she lived—wholeheartedly.

We are the never-say-no peoplePRAJANA WAIBA PRADHAN, Assistant to theCountry Representative

Yeshi di was someone who would always lend a helping hand when yourequested. She also guided me with my specialization for the final year of myMSc, earlier this year. Dr. Chandra Gurung would always have her name in hislist of invitees for every official dinner meeting. She would laugh and say, “Weare the ‘never say no’ people, Sarala and me, he knows we won’t send ourregrets - we are always there to support”. On my birthday this year, after Ireturned from Dr. Saab’s office I found an envelope with my name markedand it read “Happy Birthday, Regards Yeshi”. That was a complete surprise!I will never forget her willingness to help others and the grace with which sheconducted herself. I will miss you Yeshi di and all that knew you and sharedyour life were very lucky to have known you.

Dancing with locals and Mathew Preece at Lelep, September 2006.


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Unsung HeroEric Wikramanayake, Sarala Khaling, andJenny Gurung

She was the unsung hero. For over a decadeYeshi Choden Lama worked with a quietdiligence to help conserve the mountainbiodiversity and cultures of the Himalaya.During her early years at WWF Nepal—beforeshe became Senior Program Manager for themountain program and oversaw the SacredHimalayan Landscape—she worked with theamchis, the traditional healers in themountains, to understand their practices. Sheworked with them to substitute alternatives toendangered plant and animal products intraditional medicines. Her understanding ofconservation was much wider and morecomplete than many of us who becomeeasily enamored with charismatic species.She was quick to point out that conservationis not only about ‘rhinos, tigers andelephants’, but is also about the other lesscharismatic, but equally important Himalayanplants and animals that have becomethreatened because of over-exploitation.Several publications and books such asMedicinal Plants of Dolpo; Amchis’Knowledge and Conservation; and WhereThere Is No Doctor: Building Capacity of theHimalayan Amchi remain as testament to herscholarly work, but the unending stream ofamchis and other community members fromremote parts of Nepal who would arriveunannounced at her home to meet her is alarger tribute. Her home was a refuge wherethey were made welcome.

Yeshi’s philosophy personified her. She wasnot given to flamboyance, but her dedicationearned her the deepest respect from herpeers and colleagues, especially from those inthe field. She was willing to travel to the mostremote and difficult places in the Himalayas,that many would hesitate to undertake. Tendays before the fateful flight, Yeshi trekked toGhunsa, and met with community leaders inthe Kangchenjunga Conservation Area alongthe way to discuss conservation issues.Although several of us advised her topostpone the trip till after the monsoonbecause of the unpleasant conditions, her R

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Yeshi with Sarala

response was “I’m not going there as atourist.” Such was her dedication. She joinedthe helicopter in Ghunsa.

Yeshi was reticent with strangers. But shewas quick with a laugh and enjoyed life withfriends. And she had many, who consider herone of the brightest stars of the constellationaboard that helicopter.

Yeshi, you will always be remembered andloved by those whose lives you touched. Wewill miss your laughter, which echoed throughthe WWF Nepal office and your profoundthoughts and comments about work, people,and life. Be in peace on Kangchenjunga, theFive Treasures of the Snows, a sacredmountain you strove so hard to conserve.


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“It was impossible to know Jennifer without loving her,”someone said at the memorial service. This was theremark that said everything about Jenn, as nothing coulddescribe her more closely as this. More than a colleague,she was a very special friend and confidante to me. Shehad this infectious aura about her, the warmth of herpersonality, her explicit way of expressing her feelings, herhuge bear hugs, her love for Meesha her pet dog, herpassion for tarot cards and feng shui, her fancy for ringsand pendants, and above all, her way of caring for peopleand those around her. Everywhere she went, she spreadher magic wings of warmth and friendship.

I feel fortunate to have known such a beautiful human being so full of energy andvivaciousness. Most of my conversations with her were girly chats full of giggles andlaughter. I couldn’t help but stop by her room after lunch whenever she was around fora small chit chat. Once she told me she actually wanted to become a politician! Shefondly talked about her sisters and her niece and nephew and about her trips around theregion. She told me about the people she met and how she made friends like with thisparticular girl from WWF Pakistan whom she simply loved. She even had a photo of herin her office. She loved dosas and had started to like Newari food. She was so full of lifeand had such diverse interests. She was into yoga and wanted a guitar! She took mearound London on my last visit there and I have some wonderful memories of wanderingaround with her totally footloose and fancy free.

Jennifer was a very spiritual person. She promised to read my tarot cards but we couldnever manage time for that. When both my husband and I were not keeping well lately,she gave me a book entitled Nutritional Healing. Probably she wanted us to be in goodhealth…She loved children and my son adores his Jennifer Aunty. He is even moreexcited now when I tell him that she has turned into a beautiful fairy angel.

Thank you Jenn for those wonderful memories…Your smile and the way you clappedyour hands when you were happy, makes me smile even now. I will always cherish yourfriendship.

RememberingJennifer Headley

She spread her magic wingsof warmth and friendshipBANDANA YONZON LEPCHAHuman Resource & Facilities Officer

From L – R: Sarala, Jenn and Bandana


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Those Bright Eyes, QuickSmile and Big HeartTRISHNA GURUNG, , , , , Communications andMarketing Manager

Jenn loved and was lovedby all of us at WWF Nepal.She brought to our lives herspecial joyous spirit thattouched everyone from ourmaali dai and Dr Gurung tocommunities in our projectsites. “Namaste, kastohunnuhunchha?” she wouldask in accent tinged Nepalithat immediately charmedthe person because Jennwas making an effort toreach out. That’s the thingabout Jenn. She wasinterested in everyone andthat meant she was nevera bystander and always an enthusiastic participant.Whether it was a 12-hour marathon workshop or a Teejdress-up session with the office girls, Jenn was there. Itseems almost unnecessary to say that Jenn waspassionate about her job. Right across the region there isa Jenn sized chasm that will never be filled. We will missher bright eyes, quick smile and big heart.

Glad for the time we sharedPRAJANA WAIBA PRADHANAssistant to the Country Representative

I first met Jenn last year after a few months I joinedoffice. We automatically became friends. I rememberBandana di looking for a house for her and theexcitement she had when she finally found one! Next, shewanted a dog and I gave her one of my pups, in fact twoas the first one died and I remember the two of usshedding tears for its poor little departed soul. I still seeher in her cream overalls with that sweet smile on asunny afternoon when she came to my brother’s houseto pick up the first pup. I remember handing over Meesha(she had already named the second pup before evenhaving it) to her in the office. She even bought identicalcollars for Meesha and my cat Kitty. We had plans tomeet at my place for Dasai this year as I would not begoing home. We were also supposed to get all the dogstogether at her place and have some kind of a doggieget-together!! I spent more personal moments with herrather than official ones. We had just worked togetheronly for the Landscape Coordinators meeting last month.She said that she wanted to thank all who had helpedorganize it by taking all out to dinner. There were manywho were closer to Jenn than I was but I am so glad thatI shared whatever time I had with her and I will alwaysremember and cherish her as one of the most simple andloving persons one can ever encounter. She was alwaysup for any kind of ideas and would be ready to helpanyone in need. I’ll miss you Jenn. I wish we had moretime together.

Rem

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Jen

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22

RememberingDr Tirtha Man Maskey

Whatever we can do shouldbe done nowwithout hesitationBHAWANA SYANGDENAssistant to AsRSG Co-Chair for South Asia

We received the news of the chopper crash and thatnone had survived. It seemed as if the whole worldcrumbled. It’s only been six months since I’ve joinedWWF and started working as an assistant to Dr. Maskey.Somehow, I feel I’ve been really close to him though for ashort period of time. Having dedicated himself for thebenefit of wildlife and conservation, he selflessly servedand that too with so much of dedication that one feelsguilty of not being able to reach up to a fraction of whathe was.

He loved his work immensely. It was never drudgery forhim as he did it willingly, with great enthusiasm. Iremember him telling me once that whatever we can doshould be done now without hesitation for no one knowsif there will be another chance. His golden words ofadvice will never be forgotten; I’ve treasured hisinvaluable advice and will use it to better myself.

Working under him had been a great experience I feelI’ve been very lucky to have him as my Boss. His nobilityand humbleness distinctly reflected in his character. Hewas dignified and a very kind hearted person. Even onsome point when I used to make silly mistakes he wouldnever raise his voice but very emphatically in a gentletone he used to say, “Baa …you learn from yourmistakes.”

On 23rd September 2006, he left us. He was anexceptional and gifted person. To me, WWF will never bethe same without his presence, we will miss him nodoubt, but his memories will live in out heart forever.

Friends ForeverTRISHNA GURUNGCommunications and Marketing Manager

I miss seeing Dr Maskey drive up to the office in his shinyred car and hearing “Ke chha ba?” followed by a bigsmile. The former Director General and then Co-Chair ofthe Asian Rhino Specialist Group that we were privilegedto know was a very down-to-earth gentleman who wasunfailingly courteous, quick with a smile, valued hardwork and was a great story teller with a vast storehouseof anecdotes. Dr Maskey was also a family man whodoted on his dog and thought his wife was the world’sbest chef.

The friendship that Dr Maskey and Dr Gurung sharedwent beyond their official roles. “He would come hereafter his golf in the morning and ask me, ‘Bhauju, whereis my jeri-swaari?’” recalls Mrs Maskey on one of myvisits.

One unforgettable incident is a dinner hosted in DrMaskey’s honour about a year ago. It was late in theevening and Dr Gurung, as usual, really got the partystarted. He soon had everyone dancing, including DrMaskey who had a grin across his face that lit up theroom. And then, the two of them got a hold of amicrophone and started to sing, “Ye dosti hum nahintodengae…” Theirs was a real friendship that will remainunbroken in our memory.


Fall / Winter 2006

23

RememberingMingma Norbu Sherpa

A LetterCORONA RANJIT GHIMIRE, Senior Facilities Asst

Dear sir,

It was a pleasure to work for you. Since 1993, when WWF Nepal office began its full fledgedoperations with about 5 of us, you ensured that all of us put in our best efforts. With such a bareminimum of staff we were all multitaskers. Your professionalism and encouragement inspired us.

You considered the fact that I was a fresher right out of school and it was my first job. You werepatient while assigning duties. You always asked me to do something explaining how it should be done. Since yourwere a Country Representative both for WWF Bhutan and WWF Nepal I remember you were constantly commutingbetween Kathmandu and Paro. Your very presence in the office drove us instinctively to be alert!

You treated us all with equal respect. On every occasion you made sure that you would invite a family member as welland thank them because you believed that staff can work well if the environment at home is good. All of us and ourrespective family members respected you.

You practiced what you preached. The office environment was that of very little paper work but very quick andeffective decision making, less hierarchy, not lavish offices but decent ones, not extravagant parties but occasionswhere staff members and their families could meet and interact with each other. It was almost like one big family. Nodiscrimination amongst senior and junior staff members and everyone treated with dignity. There was no partiality to anyspecific staff member but an environment where everybody felt they were on equal footing. I have very fond memoriesof those days at WWF Nepal under your gentle leadership…

IOU chocolate cakeTRISHNA GURUNG, , , , , Communications and Marketing Manager

It was at one of my last dinner party at Dr Gurung’s that Matt and I discovered we hadsomething special in common – a weakness for chocolate cake. This was after discoveringthat he too knew Charles Haviland, the BBC correspondent in Nepal, who was also at thatdinner. “I love chocolate cake!” I remember him exclaiming with delight when I told him abouta place in Thamel. We decided to go when he got back from his field visit to Kangchenjunga.That was a lovely summer night, despite the threat of the occasional drizzle. Matt and I werefound that we shared not only a professional mission to save a living planet but also a sweettooth that had a particular preference for dark, rich, and moist chocolate cake.

RememberingMatthew Preece

Matt's warm welcome at Ghunsa


24

WWF Memorial Service28 September 2006Kathmandu, Nepal

Clockwise from top: Gallery, lightingbutter lamps, Mr. Schlaepfer signsthe condolence book, Buddhistprayer, standing in silence, JamesLeape - WWF Intl, Carter Roberts -WWF US, Adesh Gurung reads hisfamily's message, Tenzing Sherpaspeaks about his father, DawaTshering's sister, and peopleoffering khatas.

We apologize for the unavoidable delay in producingthe EcoCircular. Please send us your feedback!

EcoCircularCommunications & MarketingWWF NepalPO Box 7660, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Email: [email protected]: www.wwfnepal.org,

www.panda.org/nepal

We remember with admiration, respect andlove those who were tragically taken from

us on Saturday, 23 September 2006.

They were among the best and the brightest.

We seek a measure of peace in theknowledge that their legacy will continue tolight our future as they live on in our hearts.

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