POACH EGGS, NOT ANIMALS!

Poaching within the Makalu-Barun National Park threatens the existence of endangered animals like the red panda, snow leopard and musk deer. The park spreads over 2,330 sq.km between Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts.

According to Durgakiran Rai, chairman of the park’s buffer zone management committee, “Incidents of wildlife trafficking are rife due to the absence of a security mechanism to discourage traffickers and poachers in the park.”

So what is the best route to curb poaching and protect these endangered animals?

First thing that comes to my mind is conducting anti-poaching educational/alternative activities at the local level. However, after reading through the WWF Nepal website, the root cause of poaching is their high demand at the international market. Makalu-Barun National Park’s close proximity to the open Chinese boarder and their use of endangered animal parts in traditional medicine only makes matters worse.

So what is it going to take to protect these endangered animals? Increasing security within the national parks, providing the local population an alternative way to support their family or educating the very people that buy these products?

What do you think? Share your thoughts…

For more info on similar issues visit, WWF Nepal website at http://nepal.panda.org/

MakaluWear at ICF

This was our first year at the 16th annual International Climbers' Festival (ICF) in Lander, WY. Although we had been to several other climbing events, this was our first as one 5.8 sponsors. It was a great success and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We really enjoyed meeting customers firsthand and giving them a better idea of what we are trying to achieve with our Buy One. Give One. project. I can truly say everyone at the event was awesome and very supportive. They understood that what people choose to wear can make a big difference; you can look good and feel good at the same time.

Being in Lander definitely reminded us of our homeland Nepal and we look forward to coming back next year. Shout Out to Lindsay Nols for putting up a great event and everyone we met at the event hope to see you next year. Also want to thank Prabhat dai (aka Tatunka) for helping us out, we really appreciate it;-)

Climbers' Fest site also has New Photos from the event

http://www.flickr.com/groups/climbersfestival/pool/