The second recipient of the 2008-2010 scholarship is Ms. Salina Paudyal. Ms. Paudyal has a strong academic background with a Masters Degree in Environmental Science with distinctions from Tribhuwan University. She was top among the girls in her batch, and placed 3rd position overall. She is currently working with the Center for Rural Technology as a program officer and is interested in pursuing a Masters Degree at Lincoln University, New Zealand, in Natural Resource Management.
"The Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship provides me an opportunity to open new windows of thought, enhancing my knowledge in Natural Resource Management and allowing me to grow in my position at concern worldwide through my further education in Lincoln University. This scholarship provides me to broaden my vision in a global perspective on environmental issues and build domain knowledge in resource management. An international master degree in NRM opens a lot of opportunities. I feel proud of being a MNS scholar and part of this scholarship, without which my dreams will not accomplish and aim remain unfulfilled." Salina Paudyal
The steering group of the Mingma Norbu Sherpa
Memorial Fund met with Mingma’s widow Phurba Sherpa (on right) who, along with a small group of other Khumbu Sherpas, was in New Zealand to attend Sir Ed’s funeral. She commented that the family was very satisfied with the efforts being made to honor Mingma’s memory and continue his life’s work by providing opportunities for the next generation of conservationists.
The fund target of US$350,000 (NZ$450,000), will be held by WWF-New Zealand as an endowment fund and this will yield sufficient money to support students annually in perpetuity. The fund will initially be administered by a small steering group including: Dave Bamford, Immediate Past President of the New Zealand Alpine Club; Bruce Jefferies, WCPA; David Simmons, Professor Lincoln University; Lisa Choegyal (Nepal); and Chris Howe, Executive Director of WWF-New Zealand, along with chair of the fund, Jo Breese.
Bruce concludes: “The fund is very special. It is our way of remembering Mingma and the strong link and special bond he had with mountain ecosystems, mountain people and mountaineers. We believe that the fund will strengthen this bond. Conservation leaders like Mingma are at the heart of every step forward in conserving the natural world. He was devoted to his people and their conservation of the Himalayan region, and was passionate about the development of young conservationists. On behalf of the Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Fund I urge members of our network who care about the future of the planet to contribute to the fund.
Larry Hamilton add his support and also urges all network members to contribute to the Mingma Norbu Sherpa Living Memorial Fund. This can be made online at http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/MingmaNorbuSherpa