Ecosphere News pays tribute to the late Dr. Chandra Prasad Gurung, one of Nepal's most visionary conservationists, whose book Caring for the Annapurna encapsulates his remarkable journey and contributions to biodiversity conservation. Dr. Gurung’s life was dedicated to pioneering sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Nepal, setting a global benchmark through his leadership in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Born in 1949 in the remote village of Sikles, Nepal, Dr. Gurung earned advanced degrees in geography and rural development planning, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii, USA. His expertise in eco-tourism, integrated conservation, and development led to the creation of ACAP—the first community-based integrated conservation initiative in Nepal. Under his leadership, ACAP became a global model, demonstrating how community engagement could drive sustainable biodiversity protection and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Gurung’s contributions extended beyond ACAP. As the Country Representative of WWF Nepal, he played a vital role in scaling conservation efforts across the country. Tragically, his life was cut short in a helicopter crash on September 23, 2006, while he was transferring the management of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area to local communities.
His book, Caring for the Annapurna, celebrated by scholars and environmentalists alike, offers a deep dive into the establishment and impact of ACAP. Broughton Coburn, a renowned author, lauded Dr. Gurung’s vision and intellect, stating that the book masterfully captures the essence of ACAP's achievements and its global significance. Professor Sara Parker of Liverpool John Moores University echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the book’s timely reminder of the importance of "conservation for development."
Dr. Gurung’s legacy lives on through the Chandra Gurung Conservation Foundation (CGCF), established in his memory in 2007. The foundation continues his mission by mentoring young conservationists and expanding Nepal’s protected area networks. Over 100 scholarships have been awarded in his honor, nurturing a new generation of leaders committed to people-centered conservation.
As Nepal and the world face escalating environmental challenges, the lessons from Dr. Gurung’s life and work remain profoundly relevant. His dedication to harmonizing human development with nature conservation serves as an enduring inspiration for future generations.
For more insights into Dr. Gurung's legacy and his groundbreaking contributions, explore Caring for the Annapurna and the ongoing work of CGCF.
