The Amchis of Dolpo: Conservation in Action
Posted on January, 17 2007
The Dolpo Menchikhang Traditional Health Care Centre of Dho in Upper Dolpo received one of six Abraham Conservation Awards for institutions. They were recognized for their efforts in conserving nature and the culture of traditional medicines. The old ways will thrive in the new millennium thanks to their efforts.
WWF Nepal presented an Abraham Conservation Award to the Dolpo Menchikhang Traditional Health Care Centre at a ceremony in Kathmandu on 16 January 2007.
“We thank WWF Nepal for all the support given to the promotion and conservation of the ancient Amchi healing culture,” said Amchi Namgyal Rinpoche at the ceremony. “We all must continue to work together to ensure that this tradition does not die out. The Amchis call upon the Government of Nepal to recognize our valuable contribution to the well-being of Nepalis in the high mountains. We also encourage sustainable use of life-giving plants right from now so that the future of people and nature is safeguarded.”
The Dolpo Menchikhang Traditional Health Care Centre of Dho VDC, Ward No 6 in Upper Dolpo received one of six Abraham Conservation Awards for institutions. They were recognized for their efforts in conserving nature and the culture of traditional medicines. The old ways will thrive in the new millennium thanks to their efforts.
Since 2003 the Amchis at the centre have aided more than 2,000 sick and ailing people from Dho Tarap and neighbouring areas. Dolpo Menchikhang has also encouraged Dolpalis to sustainably use and harvest medicinal and aromatic plants to ensure that natural resources are not depleted. They have taken a strong stand against poaching and illegal collection of medicinal and aromatic plants. The Amchis of Dolpo Menchikhang are passing on their rich indigenous knowledge to young people, and strengthening coordination with local agencies and other partners.
“Conservation is an important objective that needs the concerted efforts of individuals and organizations to deliver the kind of results that will ensure a living planet,” said Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung, Director of Program Development and Support at WWF Nepal. “Nepal is a country rich not only in biodiversity but also in its people who have, over the past decades, shown great commitment to working together to save nature.”
The Abraham Conservation Award was created to honour the efforts of Nepalis that are at the true frontline of conservation: from remote mountain villages to the Terai, from national park staff and the Nepal Army to media groups. The awardees are nominated by WWF partner organizations, including the Government of Nepal, and the final recipients are selected by an impartial, independent Selection Committee.
Since 1995, the Abraham Conservation Award has recognized 55 individuals and 29 institutions for their unique and vital contributions to ensuring Nepal’s natural wealth is saved for future generations. In recognition of grassroots support and action for conservation, the Abraham Conservation Award 2006 honoured 6 organizations and 3 individuals, with two special Certificates of Recognition.
Their dedication is an inspiration to us all.
“We thank WWF Nepal for all the support given to the promotion and conservation of the ancient Amchi healing culture,” said Amchi Namgyal Rinpoche at the ceremony. “We all must continue to work together to ensure that this tradition does not die out. The Amchis call upon the Government of Nepal to recognize our valuable contribution to the well-being of Nepalis in the high mountains. We also encourage sustainable use of life-giving plants right from now so that the future of people and nature is safeguarded.”
The Dolpo Menchikhang Traditional Health Care Centre of Dho VDC, Ward No 6 in Upper Dolpo received one of six Abraham Conservation Awards for institutions. They were recognized for their efforts in conserving nature and the culture of traditional medicines. The old ways will thrive in the new millennium thanks to their efforts.
Since 2003 the Amchis at the centre have aided more than 2,000 sick and ailing people from Dho Tarap and neighbouring areas. Dolpo Menchikhang has also encouraged Dolpalis to sustainably use and harvest medicinal and aromatic plants to ensure that natural resources are not depleted. They have taken a strong stand against poaching and illegal collection of medicinal and aromatic plants. The Amchis of Dolpo Menchikhang are passing on their rich indigenous knowledge to young people, and strengthening coordination with local agencies and other partners.
“Conservation is an important objective that needs the concerted efforts of individuals and organizations to deliver the kind of results that will ensure a living planet,” said Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung, Director of Program Development and Support at WWF Nepal. “Nepal is a country rich not only in biodiversity but also in its people who have, over the past decades, shown great commitment to working together to save nature.”
The Abraham Conservation Award was created to honour the efforts of Nepalis that are at the true frontline of conservation: from remote mountain villages to the Terai, from national park staff and the Nepal Army to media groups. The awardees are nominated by WWF partner organizations, including the Government of Nepal, and the final recipients are selected by an impartial, independent Selection Committee.
Since 1995, the Abraham Conservation Award has recognized 55 individuals and 29 institutions for their unique and vital contributions to ensuring Nepal’s natural wealth is saved for future generations. In recognition of grassroots support and action for conservation, the Abraham Conservation Award 2006 honoured 6 organizations and 3 individuals, with two special Certificates of Recognition.
Their dedication is an inspiration to us all.
Amchi Namgyal Rinpoche (left) receiving the abraham conservation award from Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung(right)
© WWF Nepal
Amchi Namgyal Rinpoche (left) receiving the abraham conservation award from Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung(right)
© WWF Nepal