Rinchen Wangchuk's snow leopard conservation story. Photo SLC
What an inspiration Rinchen Wangchuk is! He works with the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) India in the remote and magical Himalayan region of Ladakh. This video made by Mateo and David Willis shows how Rinchen and the SLC encourage local villagers to conserve the snow leopard. They’ve built snow leopard proof fences for the livestock and helped villagers get income from the trekkers that come to see the land of the snow leopard by providing Homestay accommodation. Rinchen says “the people used to see the cat as a pest. Now you see the sign in Rumbak village that says “welcome to the snow leopard capital of the world.”
Rinchen Wangchuk Interview from Snow Leopard Conservancy on Vimeo.
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Wow Sibylle I realy enjoyed watching this excellent footage. The community based tourism is such a great initiative for both the local remote communities and those blessed to be able to engage in such an experience. Thank you for sharing – Bettina
In a time of depressing stories, this is inspirational in showing how the snowleopard can be an asset.
It is a story that gives hope to conservationists everywhere
Inspiring Video , really nice
I am sorry to tell you that Rinchen is suffering from a degenerative nerve disease. His conditions have become worst over the last few months. I am sorry ..
We have heard that Rinchen has been very unwell, and wish him and his family all the best.
I hate to tell you this but Rinchen is no more. He passed away this afternoon around 3.30 at his eldest sister’s place in Jammu.He was struggling with a dreaded degenerative nerve disease for now almost 3 years. Past six months had been very hard for him because he was gradually losing his ability to speak.
Now since he is no more all we can do is pray the almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give his immediate family the courage to bear this tragic loss,
Thank you for sharing the tragic news about Rinchen’s passing. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at the Snow Leopard Conservancy and the snow leopard conservation community around the world. His passing is a great loss but I know his memory and his snow leopard legacy will live on.
With Rinchen, we not only lost great inspirational conservationist and a true friend but also great human being.
Its very sad news! My heartfelt condolences for the family and friends.
very sad news to know about the sad demise of late Mr,Rinchen Wangchok,,, may god give peace to his soul n courage to his family to bear this great loss.
Though the snow leopard conservation trust have confined mostly their work upto leh and zanskar only, while totaly ignoring KARGIL,,,, which we feel as a great partiality with us (reasons better known to them ).. Hope the precede-rs of the snoow leoperd consevation trust india will rectify this partiality gap in future… As the snow leopard conservation in kargil too requires an equal attention.
RIP.. Rinchen.. we silent Snow Leopard fans will carry on your work.. thanks for everything you have done for all of us.. May your family have the courage to bear this loss.
My heartfelt condolences.
My Dear Friend Rinchen,
There is a saying “God needs good people to assist him to handle the evils” So, good people depart early. I am sure you are in good spirit in heavenly world. We all are waiting for our visa so see you or meet you in some form for sure. Nothing is permanent. We pass through small journey towards the ultimate truth of this universe. May god embarrass you in his hand and caress your soul. See you some day my dear special friend.
Join Palms and prayers for all you left for transit
Yours truly,
Wangchuk Pinto