One Nepali whose hard work contributed to the success of the Annapurna project is Chandra Gurung. On return from Hawaii University in 1985 to complete his research paper on wildlife conservation, Chandra was asked to help in designing a project for conserving the Annapurna area. It evolved into work combining eco-tourism with conservation. Fifteen years later, it is regarded as a model for other countries. Chandra believes more than ever before that the only way to preserve nature successfully is with the active participation of the community. "Regulations need to be imposed when the community does not understand the efforts. But if the community is made a part of it then that is the key to success," Chandra told us.
Today, Chandra Gurung has a high-flying job as country representative of the Worldwide Fund for Nature Nepal Programme, which is involved in supporting continued conservation efforts in Chitwan, Dolpo, Kangchendzonga, Mt Everest and Makalu-Barun. We ask Chandra how come environmentalists are only interested in celebrity mammals, and no one speaks for snakes and bats? Chandra says the tiger is an apex species and protecting it will also protect the entire food chain. And conserving Chitwan protects all other indigenous plant and animal life in the sanctuary.
Chandra is gearing up for the WWF conference in Katmandu in November which will be attended by luminaries such as Queen Noor of Jordan. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will be presenting a free open concert in Basantapur Durbar on the occasion.
