An important new book has been published by the Wildlife Protection Society of India, which was released on 5 June 2008 (World Environment Day). Called Environmental Protection and International Endangered Species Issues, it was authored by Ngawang Rabgyal, a field officer with the Wildlife Protection Society of India.

The book focuses on the illegal trafficking and harvesting of endangered animals and their pelts, and the role that conscientious Tibetans can play in halting this practice. Mr. Ngawang also provides an in-depth look into the species threatened in Asia and “aims to provide an accessible overview of wildlife conservation to the Tibetan-reading public.”

Mr. Ngawang’s plea for conservation is grounded in the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan people. In the book, he cites letters and speeches given by H.H. The Dalai Lama, as well as many other important Tibetan leaders, calling for the Tibetan public to appreciate the concept of conservation both in their present environment and abroad. H.H. Dalai Lama is adamant that the Tibetan people must take up the cause of conservation, and recently condemned the use and trade of wild animal skins. Mr. Ngawang expertly shows that ignoring conservation efforts is not only a threat to our physical life, but also our spiritual well-being.

Many topics are covered in Mr. Ngawang’s book, including descriptions of 35 different endangered species, which has provided insight into these species’ behavioral patterns and habitats. Special attention has been paid to the tiger and the Tibetan antelope (Chiru), whose pelts are highly sought on the black market. Also provided is a comprehensive list of international, Indian, and Chinese laws concerning wildlife issues, which is a great resource for those wishing to study the matter further.

This book is a first for the Tibetan community. “It provides members of the Tibetan community with a unique opportunity to l{/earn more about their environment, the animals that they share it with, and the significance of conservation” says Belinda Wright, Executive Director of the WPSI. She goes on to say, “I hope that this work will be an important source of primary information for people committed to the cause of conservation as well as a source of inspiration to others to join hands and address issues that will eventually threaten our own existence.”

From January 2006 to February 2008, on behalf of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, Mr. Ngawang has organized Wildlife Awareness Campaigns for Tibetans in Himachal Pradesh, Utteranchal, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, and for the Tibetan settlements of Bylakuppe, Hunsur, Kollegal, Mundgod, Ladakh, Orissa and Mainpat. To date, these Campaigns have been attended by hundreds of thousands of Tibetans and people from the Himalayan regions in India. It is Mr. Ngawang’s goal to bring strong awareness about endangered wildlife species to the general public, and his hope that wildlife skins will never again be used. Currently Ngawang is Working at Lha Social Work Origination as a Program Supervisor.

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