Tragic demise of Conservationists
Kathmandu , September 26
We are greatly shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of
distinguished personalities devoted in the field of conservation in the
tragic Helicopter crash on Saturday, 23 rd September 2006 . Twenty four
persons aboard including high officials of Government of Nepal, Diplomat
and conservationists passed away when the Helicopter crashed in
Taplejung district of Eastern Himalayan region of Nepal . The persons
aboard were on the return trip from the handing-over ceremony for the
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area project.
We are mourned losing distinguished personalities of the conservation
field, high officials of government, valued colleagues, friends and well
wishers. The Wildlife Watch Group (WWG) expresses its deep sorrow
concerning the deaths of the members of Advisory Committee of recently
concluded International Conference on Conservation in Conflict, Mr.
Pauli Mustonen, Chargé d'Affairs of Embassy of Finland, Dr. Chandra P.
Gurung, Country Representative, WWF Nepal, Dr. Tirtha Man Maskey, AsRSG
Co-Chair, South Asia, Dr. Damodar Prashad Parajuli, Secretary, Ministry
of Forest and Soil Conservation, Guest Invitee; Participants of the
Int'l Conference Ms. Jennifer Headley Coordinator, WWF UK (Canadian),
Yeshi Chhoden Lama, WWF Nepal, Dr. Bijnan Acharya, Program Dev.
Specialist, USAID; Mr. Hem Raj Bhandari, Nepal Television who was media
person during the conference, Mr. Mingma Norbu Sherpa who supported to
WWG during informal group and had inspired for its institutionalization
and Mr. Gopal Rai, State Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation who
had always been supporting towards WWG's program since he became the
Minister.
WWG expresses deep sympathy to the family members and loved ones of all
the deceased persons and wish for peace to their departed souls.