Our Supporter

Since 1982, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has quietly shaped the future of Nepal’s natural heritage. Established through a legislative act, an autonomous, non-profit organization has led over 300 projects across the country focused on biodiversity conservation, climate change, clean energy, ecotourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. But what makes NTNC truly remarkable is its people-centered approach to conservation.

For NTNC, protecting nature is not just about saving forests and wildlife. It’s about partnering with the communities who live alongside them. Whether it’s promoting clean energy, protecting cultural heritage, or supporting sustainable tourism, NTNC places communities at the center. Conservation, in their vision, is a balance between economics, environment, and ethics.

From the towering peaks of Annapurna to the lowlands of Protected Areas, NTNC’s work reflects the incredible ecological and cultural diversity of Nepal, managing three Himalayan protected areas- Annapurna, Manaslu, and Gaurishankar. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project supports over 1,00,000 residents while protecting vast Himalayan ecosystems. In Manaslu and Gaurishankar, NTNC helps develop ecotourism and local partnerships that protect both wildlife and livelihoods. In the lowland (Tarai) region, the focus is on biodiversity and empowering community institutions. Even in the city, NTNC plays a vital role—managing the Central Zoo in Lalitpur, a hub for conservation education and wildlife research.

NTNC also takes on enormous challenges like climate change. Through research on vulnerable species such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros and look for ways to help them adapt. Research, education, and nature-based economies are all part of the broader mission.

In a rapid environment and social changing world, NTNC’s story is one of collaboration, resilience, and hope. It demonstrates that when conservation includes local voices and respects local knowledge; the results go beyond protecting nature—they help build a more sustainable and connected future for all.

Peter Prokosch – A Lifelong Commitment to Conservation

Peter Prokosch has dedicated his career to global nature conservation, with a special focus on Arctic ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism. As a seasoned conservationist, he has played a pivotal role in initiatives that bridge science, policy, and environmental advocacy. His work has taken him to some of the world's most fragile and breathtaking landscapes, where he has championed efforts to protect wildlife and promote responsible ecotourism.

As the founder of Linking Tourism & Conservation (LT&C), Peter has worked to demonstrate how tourism can actively support protected areas and conservation efforts worldwide. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the way we think about conservation-driven travel and the importance of preserving nature for future generations.

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Vivek Menon is an Indian wildlife conservationist, environmental commentator, author, and photographer with a passion for elephants and birds. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Wildlife Trust of India. Menon is the author or editor of ten wildlife books including the bestselling Indian Mammals- A Field Guide, scores of technical reports, and more than 250 articles in various scientific and popular publications. In India, he plays a role in advising the government on natural heritage conservation as a part of several national committees as well as having been part of the Indian delegations to CITES, UNESCO, and CMS. Internationally, Menon is the current Councilor of the IUCN, Member of the IUCN SSC, and Chairperson of its Governance and Consultancy Committee (GCC) and Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG). He is also the Chairperson of the Amphibian Survival Alliance Global.

I believe ecotourism is a vehicle to satisfy the triple bottom line. It is a good fit for Asia where biodiversity is rich and needs protection, creating jobs. Moreover, it is my passion to get to know like-minded people in the world to synergize the momentum and become like a family so that we can take steps forward even if the project money is not promised.

I am doing my part in Japan as an NGO, a business practitioner, and a consultant for government projects of all sizes to promote ecotourism and mainstream sustainable tourism. I also contribute globally to encourage utilizing global standards so that we all are moving in the same direction. Without a doubt, the Asian Ecotourism Network has the best team to realize the sustainable development in tourism, and ecotourism that are mostly community-based in the case of Asia. Come join our forces!