Our students in Walung, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Eastern Nepal

December 15, 2016

Daler Kaziev, an alumnus of the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX 2011-2012) from Murghab District, known as Eastern Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan, is one of the first graduates of AUCA’s the newly opened Liberal Arts and Sciences concentration in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development.

(Pashupatinath, the famous, holly Hindu Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal)

Over the past year, Daler has been involved in a scientific research project titled “Remoteness and Connectivity: Highland Asia in the World.”  This is a five-year project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The terrain of inquiry is the highlands between the Pamirs and the eastern slopes of the Himalayas; the overarching aim is to gain a better comparative understanding of these areas, their interconnections, and the stakes and perspectives of their local communities. See www.highlandasia.net for more information on the various subprojects and activities.

 

In late November and early December 2016, Daler was invited to participate in one of the field trip workshops that took palce in the Walung (Olangchung Gola) in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of Eastern Nepal together with the extended project team.

(Taplejung district airport, from Kathmandu to Kanchenjunga)

Daler writes: First of all, I would like to thank the project team who made this trip possible. Being in other contexts of the highlands of Asia, despite the historical difference between Himalayas and my region, helped me develop a new perception of the development processes in remote areas. I was impressed by the well-developed tourism services in the Himalayas, the stunning nature of Nepal, the diversity of cultures and symbolism, the friendly people and the incredible city of Kathmandu. Throughout the trip, I got to try various foods such as Tsampa, Wai Wai, Dall Bhat, Tongba, Sue Chyaa, Dudd Chyaa and all kinds of Momos. It was an incredible journey.

(Taking a Jeep from Taplijung to Chirruwa)

Particularly, going to remote places like Walung and experiencing daily life has re-shaped my previous thinking. I discovered similarities and difference in the daily lives of the Walung people and those of my own region.

(Walung village, situated in the far eastern and northern parts of Nepal)

We were lucky to see the annual monastery festival known as Phutuk, a time in which many Walung people living in Kathmandu, Darjeeling, or abroad come back to the village in order to celebrate the festival. Having seen the rituals performed there, I felt the importance of a sense of place and cultural belonging.

(Phutuk annual monastery festival, 2016-Walung)

After all, there is much to say about the Nepal as country, Kathmandu as a capital, Kanchenjunga as a conservation area, and the Himalayas as a touristic destination. Nevertheless, this research fieldtrip allowed me, as young researcher, to gain first-hand experience of the remote areas within a bigger picture. It was very interesting to see demand for traditional fire wood energy and how locals cope with it. This reminded me of my senior project topic that I am working currently.

(Women carrying wood to Walung)

As a student majoring in Environmental Management and Sustainable Development and minoring in Anthropology, I discovered the challenges and opportunities of conservation efforts, cross-border business, and tourism in high Asian Mountains.

 

We believe that Daler’s engagement in various scientific projects will not only benefit his studies of environmental management and sustainable development but also builds his future carrier. We wish you good luck in your future research and thanks for sharing.

 

Dr. Zheenbek Kulenbekov

Program Coordinator of Environmental Management 

and Sustainable Development

Environmental Sustainability Officer

 

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