Press release
45th day since Kangchenjunga Tragedy
6 November 2006
Kathmandu, Nepal – Four conservation organizations organized a memorial
programme today to mark the 45th day since the tragic helicopter crash
in Kangchenjunga that resulted in the loss of all 24 on board.
WWF Nepal, IUCN Nepal, Wildlife Watch Group and The Mountain Institute
commemorated the lives of the conservation martyrs by sharing tangible
short- and long-term ways in which to remember them during a two-hour
discussion at the Russian Cultural Centre in Kathmandu. Partner
organizations, Government of Nepal officials, conservationists, and
bereaved friends and relatives attended the programme where four future
activities were introduced: dedicated display spaces, a memorial book, a
conservation learning centre and a conservation project.
The question and answer session was followed by the distribution of
commitment forms that solicits support. The forms will also be available
on the websites of the four organizations.
The organizers said that they continue to mourn the passing away of such
exemplary leaders and are seeking to find meaningful ways to remember
them. The main objective of the programme is to commemorate the way they
lived to inspire a new generation of young conservationists to take
forward the vision of the conservation champions. They added that the
success of the projects would depend on everyone working together and
generous support from the government, international organisations,
families, friends and well wishers