Among five recipients of the WWF Nepal Conservation Award 2019—comprising of three individuals and two community organizations—Mr. Nima Lama from the Sakya Committee Anti-poaching Unit in the Manaslu Conservation Area were awarded with recognitions for their grassroots initiatives in country's conservation success by H.E. Mr. Randy W. Berry, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal.
The award ceremony was held on the occasion of the 26th Anniversary of WWF Nepal, with the Honorable Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister of Forests and Environment (also NTNC Chairman) presiding as Chief Guest among other conservation dignitaries, students and community stakeholders. As part of the occasion, scholarships to pursue higher level studies in natural resource management were also provided to seven students.
Mr. Nima Lama's contribution to build on the Sakya tradition—the practice of non-violence—in Tsum Valley covering Chekampar and Chumchet area through its indigenous religion-based anti-poaching practices emanates from its socio-cultural-religious aspect. As a 'non-violence area' Tsum Valley thus enables wildlife and people to coexist in harmony and compassion. This specialty makes the region a formidable attraction for avid trekkers passionate to experience hidden mountains, wildlife and cultures. Only opened to the outside world since 2008, Tsum Valley is a Restricted Area, meaning, tourists will need special permits, from the Department of Immigration, besides the regular conservation area permits.
