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>>The Burning of endangered animal skins in Nepal
By: Thupten Shastri Photos by Lhuboom (Radio Free Asia)
Kathmandu, 20th February 2006:
Tibetan refugees in Nepal, on 20th Febuary have launched a voluntary destruction of endangered animal skins in possession by burning them and pledges not to use or trade it.
This is in solidarity with the work already started in Tibet since the last few weeks, particularly in the eastern part of Tibet, Amdo. At a gathering of over two hundred Tibetan people,
Quiet a lot of skins of rare endangered species, and malas made of elephant tusks were voluntarily collected and displayed before being destroyed by burning in pile.
The work is organized by Dhomey Kyiduk—a social welfare organization of Tibetans. In their message states that, In support of the existing worldwide environmental movement and the respect.
For the international environmental laws to protect and preserve endangered wildlife species, many incidents of burning animal skins and fur-lined chupas ( traditional Tibetan cloaks) and accessories ,in many parts of Tibet and especially in the Amdo region have been reported. We the Tibetans here in Nepal are gathered here voluntarily today to join in this environmental drive and show our support and solidarity to stop and trade in and use of animal skins and furs in clothing and accessories“
This is considered a big response to the call by the Dalai Lama, the leader of the Tibetan people, who often touched the subject in public talks and during the recently concluded kalachakra, he has firmly advised the Tibetans in and outside Tibet to avoid the ignorant mentality of unnecessarily embellishing oneself with ornaments and shun using endangered species products, rather one should develop inner knowledge.
This initiated work by the Tibetans in and in exile seems determined, and this is a blesseing in disguise for the endangered animals and also a huge sigh of relief to organizations such as WWF.
looking from a wider angle Tibetans surely may not be the lone people who use and deal with endangered species skins, but the anxiousness to shun using animals skins from their side henceforth, if they really can, is a significant stride forward in protecting the endangered animals.
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Crowds await the burning of animal skins, Nepal. The controvery over animal skins came after Maneka Gandhi, an Indian MP made inflammatory comments
, calling all Tibetans poachers. This was refuted by Tibetans, and the point proven at Kalchakra in India, where the Dalai Lama old Tibetans to dispose of all clothes made of animal furs. Tibetans in India, Tibet, and here in Kathmandu have followed this.
Even prayer beads made from bone are not exempt from the disposal of animal-originating products.
 A Tibetan woman addresses the assembled crowd.
 Furs aburn on the fire, as Tibetans throw on more.
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