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Eastern Empowering communities to protect sacred lands

WWF builds strong partnerships

Lasting conservation is achieved by collaborating with a range of extraordinary partners, from governments to local communities and from businesses to generous individual supporters. By leveraging the strengths of our collaborations, we are able to accomplish our greatest successes.

CARE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland Conservation International Save the Fund Our vision: Establish a relationship between people and the environment Ford Foundation The Royal Government of to ensure healthy wildlife populations, plentiful natural resources and a The Government of U.K. Department for International Development The Government of United Nations sustainable future for local livelihoods. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation U.S. Agency for International Development Johnson & Johnson U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Be part of our work

WWF is leading the most important and ambitious conservation effort the world has ever seen. The place. The Himalayan range forms a 1,500-mile-long barrier that separates the lowlands of the from the high, dry Tibetan By 2020, we will conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and signifi cantly change Plateau. Located in Nepal, Bhutan, northern , southeast and global forces to protect the future of nature. , the contains temperate forests, the world’s highest mountain peaks and tallest grasslands, savannas, and rich alpine meadows. Together, with your generous support, we can directly infl uence the course of conservation.

To learn more, visit worldwildlife.org/EasternHimalayas The . The Eastern Himalayas harbor 10,000 plant species, 240 mammal species and 750 bird species. Its grasslands are home to the densest population of , living alongside Asian elephants and one-horned rhinos. The Himalayas offer refuges for leopards, red pandas and . The region’s mountain forests sustain Himalayan black bears and golden langurs.

The people. The region is a rich cultural mosaic of Buddhists, , Christians World Wildlife Fund and animists, all of whom have lived closely with nature for centuries. Many Photo credits: Mt. Namche Barwa and prayer fl ags – © WWF-US / Jon Miceler; Himalayas – © Galen Rowell / Mountain Light; Giant blue poppy, Tibet – © WWF-US / communities live in isolation, and their livelihoods and traditions deeply depend Jon Miceler; Indian – © WWF-Canon / Michel Gunther; Tharu woman – 1250 24th Street, NW © WWF-Canon / Jeff Foott; Child monks – © WWF / Bruce Bunting; Indian tigers – on natural resources, making an understanding of conservation essential for their © WWF-Canon / Martin Harvey; Tibetan , Kham – © WWF-US / Jon Miceler; Washington, DC 20037-1193 Jon Miceler – © WWF-US / Jill Hatzai; – © Martin Harvey / WWF-Canon; continued survival. – © WWF-Canon / Susan A. Mainka; Classroom – © WWF / Bruce Bunting. © 2009 WWF. All rights reserved by World Wildlife Fund, Inc. 12-09/1000 202-495-4800

W65701.indd 1-3 12/10/09 9:03 WWF delivers lasting results WWF is committed to making our vision a reality

WWF has a deep, long-standing WWF is focused on fi ve landscapes that present the best opportunities for altering the global forces that commitment to conserving the rich challenge the future of this magical place. ecological heritage of the Eastern Himalayas. For more than 30 years, our Conserving the ’s vital ecosystem Preserving the Sacred Himalayan Landscape conservation work has centered on making lasting change for local communities and The Tibetan plateau is a deceptively fragile ecosystem The snowpacks of the Himalayan are an wildlife. WWF partners with governments of immense biological and cultural importance. This important source of fresh for millions of people in and conservation groups to address the high altitude Serengeti is home to the snow leopard, red South and its alpine meadows and conifer forests region’s most pressing challenges. panda and vast herds of wild , gazelle and antelope. harbor an array of rare plant life and endangered species. The and wetlands of Tibet are the source of WWF’s Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative leverages many of Asia’s most important rivers, including the the spiritual beliefs and conservation ethics of local Notable Accomplishments , and Brahmaputra, all of which ensure communities to restore essential habitats and protect 1970s fresh water to nearly half of humanity. These rivers and endangered species such as the snow leopard. We help Initiated Project Tiger, securing glaciers are now imperiled by . Aside local communities and local governments manage their government commitments to species from our species conservation work, WWF’s efforts in forests, streams, soils and wildlife more sustainably. We also protection and establishing a network this region are focused on implementation of adaptation directly improve people’s lives through activities such as the of tiger reserves throughout Asia strategies aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of establishment of women’s groups that focus on literacy and these river source areas. sustainable income-generation skills. 1980s Completed the fi rst-ever translocation Restoring the Arc Landscape of rhinos from Royal Chitwan to Royal Bardia National Park in Nepal, Nepal’s Terai Arc region is home to endangered rhinos and reestablishing their population elephants, and the world’s highest concentration of tigers. WWF is connecting 11 protected areas by restoring the Created the Conservation forests between them, thereby providing habitat corridors Area in Nepal—a model of community needed for species survival. We are also empowering local collaboration in conservation—that funds communities and improving livelihoods by establishing What makes the Eastern Himalayas extraordinary conservation with revenues from tourism community forestry groups that enable communities to 1990s benefi t from forests by managing and restoring them. Few places on can match the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayas. Its towering peaks and Collaborated with the government secluded valleys have inspired naturalists, adventure seekers and spiritualists for centuries. Its diverse of Bhutan to expand environmental Safeguarding Bhutan’s natural landscape landscapes harbor exotic creatures such as red pandas, snow leopards and one-horned rhinos. protections in the country to 26 percent More than 64 percent of Bhutan’s land is covered by intact of its land forests. Bhutan’s Biological Conservation Complex is an Although this region has been Created the Bhutan Trust Fund for “Our work in the Himalayas is ambitious plan that includes maintaining almost 400,000 acres romanticized as a mythical Nature Conservation—one of the fi rst about ensuring the well-being of of “wildlife highways” that connect protected areas across the country. As the only international conservation organization paradise, it is a fragile land facing trust funds of its kind—generating over people and species through the $30 million for its endowment with a permanent presence in Bhutan, WWF collaborates many challenges. Climate change conservation of entire ecosystem with the royal government to address Bhutan’s economic is melting its mountain glaciers. 2000s processes, such as the fl ow of fresh and environmental needs while engaging and raising the Overharvesting for food and timber, Contributed to the establishment of technical capacity of its local people through education. Wangchuck Centennial Park, a park in water from glaciers to the plains intensive grazing, agriculture Bhutan that connects existing parks to and the movement of species Protecting northeast India’s forests expansion, deforestation, and its east and west, creating a contiguous across their traditional ranges.” Bhutan’s old-growth forests extend into northeast India, wildlife poaching are straining protected zone covering the entire where a growing population and infrastructure projects northern frontier of the country Jon Miceler natural resources that people threaten some of the largest and last intact forests in Asia. Managing Director, Eastern Himalayas depend upon and threatening a Established network of biological WWF is applying its experiences from community-based number of endangered species. corridors, connecting protected areas in conservation in the Terai Arc and Bhutan to protect the forests Nepal, Northeast India and Bhutan of and , restore critical elephant habitats, and reduce incidents of human-elephant confl ict.

W65701.indd 4-6 12/10/09 9:04 Eastern Himalayas Empowering communities to protect sacred lands

WWF builds strong partnerships

Lasting conservation is achieved by collaborating with a range of extraordinary partners, from governments to local communities and from businesses to generous individual supporters. By leveraging the strengths of our collaborations, we are able to accomplish our greatest successes.

CARE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland Conservation International Save the Tiger Fund Our vision: Establish a relationship between people and the environment Ford Foundation The Royal Government of Bhutan to ensure healthy wildlife populations, plentiful natural resources and a The Government of India U.K. Department for International Development The Government of Nepal United Nations sustainable future for local livelihoods. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation U.S. Agency for International Development Johnson & Johnson U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Be part of our work

WWF is leading the most important and ambitious conservation effort the world has ever seen. The place. The Himalayan forms a 1,500-mile-long barrier that separates the lowlands of the Indian subcontinent from the high, dry Tibetan By 2020, we will conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and signifi cantly change Plateau. Located in Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, southeast Tibet and global forces to protect the future of nature. northeast India, the region contains temperate forests, the world’s highest mountain peaks and tallest grasslands, savannas, and rich alpine meadows. Together, with your generous support, we can directly infl uence the course of conservation.

To learn more, visit worldwildlife.org/EasternHimalayas The species. The Eastern Himalayas harbor 10,000 plant species, 240 mammal species and 750 bird species. Its grasslands are home to the densest population of Bengal tigers, living alongside Asian elephants and one-horned rhinos. The Himalayas offer refuges for snow leopards, red pandas and takins. The region’s mountain forests sustain Himalayan black bears and golden langurs.

The people. The region is a rich cultural mosaic of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians World Wildlife Fund and animists, all of whom have lived closely with nature for centuries. Many Photo credits: Mt. Namche Barwa and prayer fl ags – © WWF-US / Jon Miceler; Himalayas – © Galen Rowell / Mountain Light; Giant blue poppy, Tibet – © WWF-US / communities live in isolation, and their livelihoods and traditions deeply depend Jon Miceler; Indian rhinoceros – © WWF-Canon / Michel Gunther; Tharu woman – 1250 24th Street, NW © WWF-Canon / Jeff Foott; Child monks – © WWF / Bruce Bunting; Indian tigers – on natural resources, making an understanding of conservation essential for their © WWF-Canon / Martin Harvey; Tibetan pilgrims, Kham – © WWF-US / Jon Miceler; Washington, DC 20037-1193 Jon Miceler – © WWF-US / Jill Hatzai; Snow leopard – © Martin Harvey / WWF-Canon; continued survival. Red Panda – © WWF-Canon / Susan A. Mainka; Classroom – © WWF / Bruce Bunting. © 2009 WWF. All rights reserved by World Wildlife Fund, Inc. 12-09/1000 202-495-4800

W65701.indd 1-3 12/10/09 9:03 WWF delivers lasting results WWF is committed to making our vision a reality

WWF has a deep, long-standing WWF is focused on fi ve landscapes that present the best opportunities for altering the global forces that commitment to conserving the rich challenge the future of this magical place. ecological heritage of the Eastern Himalayas. For more than 30 years, our Conserving the Tibetan Plateau’s vital ecosystem Preserving the Sacred Himalayan Landscape conservation work has centered on making lasting change for local communities and The Tibetan plateau is a deceptively fragile ecosystem The snowpacks of the Himalayan Mountains are an wildlife. WWF partners with governments of immense biological and cultural importance. This important source of fresh water for millions of people in and conservation groups to address the high altitude Serengeti is home to the snow leopard, red and its alpine meadows and conifer forests region’s most pressing challenges. panda and vast herds of , gazelle and antelope. harbor an array of rare plant life and endangered species. The glaciers and wetlands of Tibet are the source of WWF’s Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative leverages many of Asia’s most important rivers, including the the spiritual beliefs and conservation ethics of local Notable Accomplishments Yangtze, Mekong and Brahmaputra, all of which ensure communities to restore essential habitats and protect 1970s fresh water to nearly half of humanity. These rivers and endangered species such as the snow leopard. We help Initiated Project Tiger, securing glaciers are now imperiled by climate change. Aside local communities and local governments manage their government commitments to species from our species conservation work, WWF’s efforts in forests, streams, soils and wildlife more sustainably. We also protection and establishing a network this region are focused on implementation of adaptation directly improve people’s lives through activities such as the of tiger reserves throughout Asia strategies aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of establishment of women’s groups that focus on literacy and these river source areas. sustainable income-generation skills. 1980s Completed the fi rst-ever translocation Restoring the of rhinos from Royal Chitwan to Royal Bardia National Park in Nepal, Nepal’s Terai Arc region is home to endangered rhinos and reestablishing their population elephants, and the world’s highest concentration of tigers. WWF is connecting 11 protected areas by restoring the Created the Annapurna Conservation forests between them, thereby providing habitat corridors Area in Nepal—a model of community needed for species survival. We are also empowering local collaboration in conservation—that funds communities and improving livelihoods by establishing What makes the Eastern Himalayas extraordinary conservation with revenues from tourism community forestry groups that enable communities to 1990s benefi t from forests by managing and restoring them. Few places on Earth can match the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayas. Its towering peaks and Collaborated with the government secluded valleys have inspired naturalists, adventure seekers and spiritualists for centuries. Its diverse of Bhutan to expand environmental Safeguarding Bhutan’s natural landscape landscapes harbor exotic creatures such as red pandas, snow leopards and one-horned rhinos. protections in the country to 26 percent More than 64 percent of Bhutan’s land is covered by intact of its land forests. Bhutan’s Biological Conservation Complex is an Although this region has been Created the Bhutan Trust Fund for “Our work in the Himalayas is ambitious plan that includes maintaining almost 400,000 acres romanticized as a mythical Nature Conservation—one of the fi rst about ensuring the well-being of of “wildlife highways” that connect protected areas across the country. As the only international conservation organization paradise, it is a fragile land facing trust funds of its kind—generating over people and species through the $30 million for its endowment with a permanent presence in Bhutan, WWF collaborates many challenges. Climate change conservation of entire ecosystem with the royal government to address Bhutan’s economic is melting its mountain glaciers. 2000s processes, such as the fl ow of fresh and environmental needs while engaging and raising the Overharvesting for food and timber, Contributed to the establishment of technical capacity of its local people through education. Wangchuck Centennial Park, a park in water from glaciers to the plains intensive grazing, agriculture Bhutan that connects existing parks to and the movement of species Protecting northeast India’s forests expansion, deforestation, and its east and west, creating a contiguous across their traditional ranges.” Bhutan’s old-growth forests extend into northeast India, wildlife poaching are straining protected zone covering the entire where a growing population and infrastructure projects northern frontier of the country Jon Miceler natural resources that people threaten some of the largest and last intact forests in Asia. Managing Director, Eastern Himalayas depend upon and threatening a Established network of biological WWF is applying its experiences from community-based number of endangered species. corridors, connecting protected areas in conservation in the Terai Arc and Bhutan to protect the forests Nepal, Northeast India and Bhutan of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, restore critical elephant habitats, and reduce incidents of human-elephant confl ict.

W65701.indd 4-6 12/10/09 9:04 WWF delivers lasting results WWF is committed to making our vision a reality

WWF has a deep, long-standing WWF is focused on fi ve landscapes that present the best opportunities for altering the global forces that commitment to conserving the rich challenge the future of this magical place. ecological heritage of the Eastern Himalayas. For more than 30 years, our Conserving the Tibetan Plateau’s vital ecosystem Preserving the Sacred Himalayan Landscape conservation work has centered on making lasting change for local communities and The Tibetan plateau is a deceptively fragile ecosystem The snowpacks of the Himalayan Mountains are an wildlife. WWF partners with governments of immense biological and cultural importance. This important source of fresh water for millions of people in and conservation groups to address the high altitude Serengeti is home to the snow leopard, red South Asia and its alpine meadows and conifer forests region’s most pressing challenges. panda and vast herds of wild yak, gazelle and antelope. harbor an array of rare plant life and endangered species. The glaciers and wetlands of Tibet are the source of WWF’s Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative leverages many of Asia’s most important rivers, including the the spiritual beliefs and conservation ethics of local Notable Accomplishments Yangtze, Mekong and Brahmaputra, all of which ensure communities to restore essential habitats and protect 1970s fresh water to nearly half of humanity. These rivers and endangered species such as the snow leopard. We help Initiated Project Tiger, securing glaciers are now imperiled by climate change. Aside local communities and local governments manage their government commitments to species from our species conservation work, WWF’s efforts in forests, streams, soils and wildlife more sustainably. We also protection and establishing a network this region are focused on implementation of adaptation directly improve people’s lives through activities such as the of tiger reserves throughout Asia strategies aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of establishment of women’s groups that focus on literacy and these river source areas. sustainable income-generation skills. 1980s Completed the fi rst-ever translocation Restoring the Terai Arc Landscape of rhinos from Royal Chitwan to Royal Bardia National Park in Nepal, Nepal’s Terai Arc region is home to endangered rhinos and reestablishing their population elephants, and the world’s highest concentration of tigers. WWF is connecting 11 protected areas by restoring the Created the Annapurna Conservation forests between them, thereby providing habitat corridors Area in Nepal—a model of community needed for species survival. We are also empowering local collaboration in conservation—that funds communities and improving livelihoods by establishing What makes the Eastern Himalayas extraordinary conservation with revenues from tourism community forestry groups that enable communities to 1990s benefi t from forests by managing and restoring them. Few places on Earth can match the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayas. Its towering peaks and Collaborated with the government secluded valleys have inspired naturalists, adventure seekers and spiritualists for centuries. Its diverse of Bhutan to expand environmental Safeguarding Bhutan’s natural landscape landscapes harbor exotic creatures such as red pandas, snow leopards and one-horned rhinos. protections in the country to 26 percent More than 64 percent of Bhutan’s land is covered by intact of its land forests. Bhutan’s Biological Conservation Complex is an Although this region has been Created the Bhutan Trust Fund for “Our work in the Himalayas is ambitious plan that includes maintaining almost 400,000 acres romanticized as a mythical Nature Conservation—one of the fi rst about ensuring the well-being of of “wildlife highways” that connect protected areas across the country. As the only international conservation organization paradise, it is a fragile land facing trust funds of its kind—generating over people and species through the $30 million for its endowment with a permanent presence in Bhutan, WWF collaborates many challenges. Climate change conservation of entire ecosystem with the royal government to address Bhutan’s economic is melting its mountain glaciers. 2000s processes, such as the fl ow of fresh and environmental needs while engaging and raising the Overharvesting for food and timber, Contributed to the establishment of technical capacity of its local people through education. Wangchuck Centennial Park, a park in water from glaciers to the plains intensive grazing, agriculture Bhutan that connects existing parks to and the movement of species Protecting northeast India’s forests expansion, deforestation, and its east and west, creating a contiguous across their traditional ranges.” Bhutan’s old-growth forests extend into northeast India, wildlife poaching are straining protected zone covering the entire where a growing population and infrastructure projects northern frontier of the country Jon Miceler natural resources that people threaten some of the largest and last intact forests in Asia. Managing Director, Eastern Himalayas depend upon and threatening a Established network of biological WWF is applying its experiences from community-based number of endangered species. corridors, connecting protected areas in conservation in the Terai Arc and Bhutan to protect the forests Nepal, Northeast India and Bhutan of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, restore critical elephant habitats, and reduce incidents of human-elephant confl ict.

W65701.indd 4-6 12/10/09 9:04 Eastern Himalayas Empowering communities to protect sacred lands

WWF builds strong partnerships

Lasting conservation is achieved by collaborating with a range of extraordinary partners, from governments to local communities and from businesses to generous individual supporters. By leveraging the strengths of our collaborations, we are able to accomplish our greatest successes.

CARE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland Conservation International Save the Tiger Fund Our vision: Establish a relationship between people and the environment Ford Foundation The Royal Government of Bhutan to ensure healthy wildlife populations, plentiful natural resources and a The Government of India U.K. Department for International Development The Government of Nepal United Nations sustainable future for local livelihoods. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation U.S. Agency for International Development Johnson & Johnson U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Be part of our work

WWF is leading the most important and ambitious conservation effort the world has ever seen. The place. The Himalayan mountain range forms a 1,500-mile-long barrier that separates the lowlands of the Indian subcontinent from the high, dry Tibetan By 2020, we will conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and signifi cantly change Plateau. Located in Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar, southeast Tibet and global forces to protect the future of nature. northeast India, the region contains temperate forests, the world’s highest mountain peaks and tallest grasslands, savannas, and rich alpine meadows. Together, with your generous support, we can directly infl uence the course of conservation.

To learn more, visit worldwildlife.org/EasternHimalayas The species. The Eastern Himalayas harbor 10,000 plant species, 240 mammal species and 750 bird species. Its grasslands are home to the densest population of Bengal tigers, living alongside Asian elephants and one-horned rhinos. The Himalayas offer refuges for snow leopards, red pandas and takins. The region’s mountain forests sustain Himalayan black bears and golden langurs.

The people. The region is a rich cultural mosaic of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians World Wildlife Fund and animists, all of whom have lived closely with nature for centuries. Many Photo credits: Mt. Namche Barwa and prayer fl ags – © WWF-US / Jon Miceler; Himalayas – © Galen Rowell / Mountain Light; Giant blue poppy, Tibet – © WWF-US / communities live in isolation, and their livelihoods and traditions deeply depend Jon Miceler; Indian rhinoceros – © WWF-Canon / Michel Gunther; Tharu woman – 1250 24th Street, NW © WWF-Canon / Jeff Foott; Child monks – © WWF / Bruce Bunting; Indian tigers – on natural resources, making an understanding of conservation essential for their © WWF-Canon / Martin Harvey; Tibetan pilgrims, Kham – © WWF-US / Jon Miceler; Washington, DC 20037-1193 Jon Miceler – © WWF-US / Jill Hatzai; Snow leopard – © Martin Harvey / WWF-Canon; continued survival. Red Panda – © WWF-Canon / Susan A. Mainka; Classroom – © WWF / Bruce Bunting. © 2009 WWF. All rights reserved by World Wildlife Fund, Inc. 12-09/1000 202-495-4800

W65701.indd 1-3 12/10/09 9:03