Sustaining Snow Leopard conservation through strengthened local institutions and enterprises
The “Sustaining Snow Leopard conservation through strengthened local institutions and enterprises ” is structured as a collaborative initiative supported by Snow Leopard Conservancy and Darwin Initiatives, UK, and implemented by Mountain Spirit in close partnership with The Mountain Institute.
The project undertaking a range of activities in Manang district (Annapurna Conservation Area/ NTNC/ ACAP) and Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, centered on community- based conservation of the snow leopard and its related mountain biodiversity. The project is led by MS Advisor Dr. Shailendra Thakali.
Local capacity building is a component of the project, which includes building understanding and enhancing skills of local institutions on environmental safeguarding, conservation governance, and participatory planning. Mountain Spirit, in coordination with national, buffer zone, and conservation areas, has taken the responsibility of conducting training on planning using appreciative and participatory approaches in order to enhance the capacity of local institutions in planning. The various activities under this project are mentioned below:
So far eight training; four APPA trainings and four Conservation good governance training were conducted for the local representatives and local people of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu. These trainings were conducted in Manang and Solukhumbu and Kathmandu respectively. Besides this, a one-week bakery and cook training was given to local people and hotel owners from Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang. The project is led by MS Advisor Dr. Shailendra Thakali.
- Building Capacities of Local Level Government and Local Stakeholders
Three Training manuals (APPA, Conservation Governance, and Environmental Safeguards) have been produced, reviewed, and field-tested. Training manuals were field-tested in Nar &Phu and Khumbu valleys.8 training programs were delivered, and 164 were trained in addition to 23 people who received Training of Trainer training in Kathmandu. They are:
- Appreciative Participatory Planning and Action (APPA) Training:
Under this project, 4 training on APPA were conducted for the Local Level Government representatives and Local Stakeholders; two training was held in the field area; NarpaBhumi Rural Municipality, Manang, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu. And 2 training was held in Kathmandu taking advantage of the people who travel Kathmandu for the winter sojourn. In addition to this, APPA ‘Training of Trainer (TOT)’ was conducted in Kathmandu.
- Environmental Safeguard and Conservation Governance Training:
Total 4 training on Environmental Safeguard and Conservation Governance was given to the Local Level Government representatives and Local Stakeholders; 2 training was held in the field area; NarpaBhumi Rural Municipality, Manang and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu. And 2 training was held in Kathmandu taking advantage of the people who travel Kathmandu for the winter sojourn. The project plans to incorporate feedback received from participants on training programs and finalize the manuals this will be done in Year 3.
2. Biological Monitoring
National Trust for Nature Conservation and Mountain Spirit has signed an agreement to conduct the camera traps survey in Manang of Annapurna Conservation Area Project. This survey was planned in November but due to the earlier heavy snowfalls, it was delayed. The survey was rescheduled for March-end, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown of the country which restricted all travels, the survey work was further delayed. NTNC is monitoring the situation in fields, and the survey will kick off as soon as the situation improves. The project, however, completed three biological monitoring activities. First, the blue sheep population dynamic survey which found that the Nar Phu valleys have enough prey base to support 15 or more snow leopard population. The second the livestock depredation pattern monitoring in SNP found that starting in 2017 wolves have overtaken snow leopards as the main livestock predator. The third monitoring report focusing on human-wildlife conflict found that in an average a household in Nar and Phu loss US$ 489 and US$ 766, respectively, to the snow leopard depredation. This is very a significant loss given the poor economic base of the region. More biological monitoring is now planned in year 3.
3. Snow Leopard Based Enterprises and Private Sector Engagement
Despite rapid early progress and keen private sector interests in designing and promoting a high-value snow leopard based tourism product, the progress on this has stalled in the last 4 months. There were personnel changes within Ennovent, the partner organization, and finding qualified persons for the replacement has proved difficult. Trail Angels/Fair Trails remains to continue to remain Ennovent’s key international partner but the development of critical marketing and branding materials has been delayed due to COVID 19. On the positive side, as a result of the recently held Environment, Social and Governance Training, local participants identified a desire for bakery training as an alternative income stream and diversification from traditional adventure tourism.
4. Bakery and Cookery Training
Under this project, Mountain Spirit successfully completed 7days cookery and bakery training from 16-22 Feb 2020 for 26 participants from Nar Phoo rural municipality at Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM).
Likewise, Mountain Spirit (MS) again organized the seven days of ‘Bakery and Cookery Training’ for locals of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu, and Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang was organized from 7th to 13th February 2021. The training was held at the National Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM). A total of 30 participants; 25 from Solukhumbu and 5 participants from Manang, were trained. In result, total 56 women were benefited through this training of bakery and cookery.
5. Ennovent Training
A three days online training on “Business Venture and Business Venture Canvas” was organized by Mountain Spirit in collaboration with Ennovent Nepal Private Limited on 30 Sept, 1 Oct, and 7 Oct 2020 respectively. The training covered the introduction to Business Ventures, the 9 Building Blocks of the Business Model, Understanding Business Model Patterns, 5 Phases of Business Model Generation, and Startup Tools 101. Through the training, team assignments were given to develop a business canvas of their creative ideas. Then it was followed by the analysis of Business Models with group presentations and a review of the business model canvas for community enterprise. The training was given to interested MS members and it was attended by ten members of MS.
6. Radio Program
Under this project, Radio Program aimed at raising awareness about the plight of Snow Leopard and there conservation effort in Nepal was initiated. Till now, 26 episodes have been broadcasted through Himal FM consisting of interviews with different experts, resource person in the field of conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity, officials representing national parks, representatives of Conservation Management Committees (CMC), local governments, and local people. The program has covered topic like the importance of Snow Leopard in Mountain Ecosystem, efforts made so far in the conservation of Snow Leopard and its challenges, compensation and its process for the damage caused by Snow Leopard, the current status of Snow Leopard, the attitude of local people towards Snow Leopard, the effectiveness of fox lights used by herder to protect their livestock and problems faced by local people, and understanding roles of local people in its conservation in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone area in Solukhumbu and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in Manang, and status of the Snow Leopard’s prey and its conservation efforts.
7. Training on Field Survey:
Online training on “Field Survey” was given to field representatives of project field site i.e Manang and Solukhumbu. The training was conducted on 2nd December and it was facilitated by Dr. Jonny Hanson, Snow Leopard Conservancy. The participants are Mr. Ngawang Thapke Sherpa, a field representative from Solukhumb, Ms. Choedon Yanchen Lama, a field representative from Manang, and Ms. Choekyi Dolma Lama, MS staff.
8. Social Research Training
Snow Leopard Network is currently organizing different models of training on various essential topics related to snow leopard conservation to build the capacity of its members associated with Snow Leopard conservation. MS staff Ms. Choekyi Dolma Lama participated in the Model 8 training on Social Research in October 2020.
9. Gloves Distribution in Manang
On 17 and 19 December 2020, 359 out of 550 cement gloves were distributed to the locals of Nar and Phu villages of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang. The remaining 191 cement gloves will be distributed to the locals for community construction works and other safety measures. This program is assisted by Ms. Choedon Yangchen Lama, Field Monitor/Facilitator.
10. Foxlight Distribution in Manang
Mountain Spirit in collaboration with Darwin Initiative and Snow Leopard Conservancy distributed 24 fox lights were distributed to the herders in the Nar and Phu villages of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang, Nepal. The fox lights were distributed on 17 and 19 December 2020. This program is assisted by Ms. Choedon Yangchen Lama, Field Monitor/Facilitator. Foxlight is a LED light, irregular flashing deterrent that protects the resting livestock from predators such as snow leopard and wolf during nighttime.
11. Study on ‘Attitude of local people to Snow Leopard’ in Manang
A survey on ‘Attitude of local people to Snow Leopard’ was conducted in Nar and Phu villages on 18 and 19 December 2020. Ten households were surveyed in the study. This survey was completed by Ms. Choedon Yangchen Lama, Field Monitor/Facilitator.
12. Foxlings Distribution in Khumbu
Mountain Spirit in collaboration with Darwin Initiative and Snow Leopard Conservancy distributed 20 fox lights to herders in Nangpa Valley, Khumjung, Kunde, and Lausyasa villages of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu, Nepal. This program is assisted by Mr. Ngawang Thapke Sherpa, Research Consultant. Foxlight is a LED light, irregular flashing deterrent that protects the resting livestock from predators such as snow leopard and wolf during nighttime. Nine fox lights were distributed to herders in Khumjung, Khunde, and Lausyasa on 12 December 2020. Similarly, on 30 December 2020 – 3 January 2021, 11 fox lights were distributed to herders in Nangpa Valley in the settlements of Phurte, These, Thameteng, Yilajung, Tarnge, and Lungde. So, a total of 20 fox lights were distributed to the herders of Solukhumbu.
13. Survey on the attitude of local people to Snow Leopard and Wolf in Solukhumbu Area
A survey on ‘Attitude of local people to Snow Leopard and Wolf’ was conducted in Solukhumbu Area. This study is conducted by Mr. Ngawang Thapke Sherpa, Research.
14. Study on the impact of Covid-19 on Tourism
A study on ‘Impact of Covid-19 on Tourism was conducted in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone Area from ’30th Dec 2020 to 28th Feb 2021. The field data collection and interviews are completed.
15. Basic Plumbing Training
Under this project, Mountain Spirit organized two weeks of basic plumbing training were completed on 11th April 2021. The training was conducted at the Training Center Nepal, Kathmandu, and the training was given to 20 locals from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu.
16. Medical Support to Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality
Medicine support 
Solar panel support
Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality was severely affected due to pandemic and flood. So, Rs. 4,75,000 worth support of medicine and health supplies along with a solar panel was provided to the Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, Manang during the flood emergency.
17. Basic Wildlife Survey and Wildlife Monitoring Techniques Training Workshop
Participants at Jhor, Tokha learning camera trapping and GPS handling
The “Basic Wildlife Survey and Wildlife Monitoring Techniques Training Workshop” was organized by Mountain Spirit (MS ) with the support of Darwin Initiative (DI) and Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) at Baluwatar, Kathmandu. The three days program was organized from 11 to 13 August, 2021. The training was given to MS members and field associated participants. On the last day, participants were taken to Jhor, Tokha for the practical exercise on Camera trapping and GPS handling.
18. SLC Essay Competition
Mountain Spirit organized an essay competition entitled “Roles of the local people to protect snow leopards” which was held on 23rd October to celebrate International Snow Leopard Day. 36 students studying grades 8-12 participated in the essay competition.
Top sixth position holder received the cash prize along with a certificate. The first position holder got Rs. 11000, the second got Rs. 9000, the third received Rs. 6000 and 4th to 6th received Rs. 2000 each.
19. Fox light distribution in Phortse
11 units of fox light were distributed to the herders of Phortse, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4, Solukhumbu, Nepal on December 2021. The predator attack on livestock during the nighttime is one of the major problems amongst mountain herding communities. The fox-light is a non-lethal predator deterrent that protects the resting livestock with its LED flashing lights.
20. Assessing the feasibility of the Wild Jimbu Cultivation Project in Phu Valley
FGD meeting with Phu community 
Glimpse of Jimbu Kharka
A jimbu cultivation feasibility study led by Mr. Ngawang Thapke Sherpa, MS’s consultant, along with field assistant Ms. Choekyi Dolma Lama, MS staff and Ms. Choden Yangchen lama was completed in Phu village from 17th to 28th October 2021. This study was requested by Narpabhumi Rural Municipality. The study assessed the possibility of domesticating the cultivation of wild jimbu on abandoned fields of Ubi, near Phu village, and also local interests in the project. The consultant also visited the Jimbu Kharka to assess the status of wild jimbu.
Jimbu Cultivation
a) MOU between Narpabhumi Rural Municipality and Mountain Spirit
Narpabhumi Rural Municipality and MS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement the wild jimbu cultivation in Ubi, near Phu village on 27 December 2021. The domestication of wild Jimbu on the barren fields is the first-ever project of its kind in the region. The cultivation in Ubi was abandoned a decade ago due to increased crop raid problems from blue sheep. Blue sheep are the primary prey species of snow leopards. It is hoped that this project will provide an alternative income source for the local people and will also reduce the harvesting of wild iimbu, and this subsequently will promote the protection of snow leopards and their prey species.
b) Support to the Jimbu cultivation project in Phu valley
In collaboration with the locally formed Jimbu Cultivation Committee and Rural Municipality, MS procured and handed over materials required for the jimbu cultivation which included poly sheets, water pipes, cement, iron rods, etc. These materials will be used to rehabilitate irrigation systems and polytunnels to germinate wild jimbu on nursery beds before they are transferred to fields for planting.
21. Potential wool-based enterprises in Nar village
Ms. Ang Diku Sherpa, Ngawang Thapke, and MS staff Choekyi Dolma visited Nar village to identify potential wool-based enterprises. MS organized an exhibition program in Nar village on 20th October 2021. During the exhibition, over 40 residents of Nar village participated in the program, and they brought several varieties of handmade woolen products ranging from clothes, carpets, cords, and shoes. The local products were photographed and documented on their local name, dimensions, usage, and selling price. To assess the possibility of enterprise development, the exhibition was also followed by a workshop and interviews with the residents of Nar village.
22. Awareness material-Sweat Shirt Distribution
To increase awareness about snow leopard conservation 200 pieces of sweatshirts were produced and distributed to field staff, students, and conservation practitioners.
23. One Health Herder Training
SLC’s Executive Director Ms. Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson, Team Leader Dr. Shailendra Thakali, and Founding Director of International Veterinary Outreach, Dr. Eric Eisenman, visited Nar and Phu villages and conducted two ‘One Health’ Training workshops in April 2022, immediately following the close of the project in Nar and Phu. Total of 78 herders, including 28 women, benefited from these training workshops. The majority of participants were yak herders.
24. Visit of Executive Director of SLC
A program on 17th April 2022 was organized by Mountain Spirit to welcome and congratulate the Executive director of Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC), Ms. Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson, and Founding Director Dr. Eric Eisenman to Nepal. This occasion was also used by Mountain Spirit to thank SLC for their past support and partnerships. MS hopes that partnerships with SLC will continue in the future and there will be an opportunity to build a new partnership with International Veterinary Outreach.
25. Visit of Founder/President of SLC
A program on 31st March 2022 was organized by Mountain Spirit to close DI funded project and also to thank key players of the project, Dr. Rodney Jackson – the Founding President of Snow Leopard Conservancy, Mr. Brian Peniston – DI Principal Investigator, and Dr. Shailendra Thakali – MS Advisor and DI Nepal Team Lead.
26. Social Welfare Council monitoring and evaluation at Manang
Meeting with herders in Kyang Village 
Monitoring and Evaluation team heading towards Meta Village
Mountain Spirit team and Social Welfare Council (SWC) evaluation and monitoring team in Manang for the monitoring of project entitled “Sustaining snow leopard conservation through strengthened local institutes and enterprises” funded by Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC).