UKALI is a community-driven model, focusing on the Upper Karnali Landscape as a learning ground and field campus. Guided by the philosophy of “Leading by Locals,” the initiative ensures that conservation efforts are community-led and grounded in the cultural heritage and values of the landscapes it serves. With the broader vision of developing a replicable approach for other mountain regions in Nepal and beyond, UKALI strengthens local institutions, nurtures conservation leaders, and enhances the capacity of communities to actively participate in and benefit from conservation initiatives.
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Rinzin Lama is internationally acclaimed Conservationist from the Humla district of Nepal. He has a BSc in Forestry from the Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry Pokhara Campus and a Master’s degree in International Nature Conservation from the University of Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln University, New Zealand. Currently, he is working as a Conservation Biologist at the Third Pole Conservancy, the NGO established to promote science-based conservation of wildlife and its habitat in Nepal Himalaya. Since 2014, Rinzin has been actively involved in research and conservation of high-altitude wildlife in Nepal and has published many peer-reviewed articles. In 2020, he was awarded the WWF Nepal Conservation Award, and in 2021 he was awarded the prestigious Rolex Award for Enterprise 2021 in recognition of his effort for biodiversity conservation in Nepal’s Trans-Himalaya. He was also listed as one of Time’s Next Generation Leader 2022. Rinzin loves reading books, listen to music and watch cartoons in his free time.
Tashi R Ghale, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer, and conservationist, has devoted over two decades to wildlife and landscape photography, monitoring, and conservation. Renowned for his exceptional work, Tashi holds the record of being the sole individual in Nepal to have photographed elusive snow leopards in their natural habitat on more than 40 occasions. His extensive journeys through the Nepalese highlands have provided invaluable insights into the lives of snow leopards and other mountain wildlife. Tashi's unwavering passion and dedication have been instrumental in species discovery and conservation efforts. In 2013, Tashi confirmed the presence of Pallas's cat in Nepal, which was declared a new cat species for Nepal in 2014. Tashi and his team achieved a remarkable milestone by confirming the return of the wolf to his native region of Manang after more than four decades of local extinction. Tashi's contributions extend beyond the field, as he has collaborated on numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is one of the contributors to the book "Searching for the Snow Leopard." His tireless effort continues to shape our understanding of wildlife and pave the way for conservation initiatives globally.
Lhundup Lama is from the Kermi village in upper Humla. He has a BSc in Environmental Science from Xavier International College, Kathmandu. He has been involved with UKALI since its inception and is responsible for overseeing the project’s conservation education, field research, and conservation activities. When he is not working, Lhundup enjoys watching football and is a big supporter of FC Barcelona. In his free time, he loves to create art and sketches.
Abinash Lama is a highly decorated documentary filmmaker and a photographer, with a passion for nature conservation and coexistence. Abinash is passionate about nature and its conservation with sheer compassion for ecosophy and co-existence. Inspired by both contemporary and conventional elements of Humla, Abinash aspires to showcase the social and natural aspects of hidden Himalayan landscapes to the rest of the world. His previous roles include teaching, photojournalism, freelancing, and travel guiding, with a deep commitment to wilderness exploration and awareness-building among social structures. Abinash is responsible for UKALI’s outreach content production including podcast, radio program, education and awareness videos, social media contents and more.
Pema Tsoijom Lama holds an MSc in Environmental Science with a major in Biodiversity Conservation and Management from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her master’s thesis focused on human- Himalayan black bear conflict dynamics in Upper Humla, providing valuable insights into local challenges and the need for effective mitigation strategies. Pema began her journey with UKALI as an intern during her Master's studies, contributing significantly to human-wildlife conflict mitigation initiatives. Following her graduation, she joined UKALI as a full-time team member in 2024. Originally from Namkha Rural Municipality in Humla, Pema is deeply passionate about mountain environment and their conservation. Her work primarily focuses on human-wildlife interactions and conflict-mitigation intervention with local communities focused on conflict mitigation and promoting coexistence. Pema loves hiking in her free times.
Jampa Phunchok Gurung, a native of Lo-Manthang in Mustang, is a wildlife photographer and conservationist with extensive experience in field research and conservation across the Upper Mustang region. Passionate about travel and exploration, Jampa has also worked as a heritage tour leader for several years, combining his love for nature and cultural storytelling. Having spent nearly two decades in a monastery, Jampa acquired profound knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, enriching his understanding of the region's cultural and spiritual heritage. His interdisciplinary expertise in spirituality, heritage, and conservation has been pivotal in advancing community-level conservation efforts in Mustang. Currently, Jampa serves as the Coordinator of the Lo Living Landscape, an initiative dedicated to fostering wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration in Upper Mustang. His dedication to preserving the fragile ecosystems and cultural legacy of the Lo region marks him as one of the emerging leaders in conservation from the area.
Funjok Lama is from a Burunse village in Humla district. He completed BBS from Nepalgunj Multiple Campus and has a decade long experience working in the Non-profit sector. Being one of the first to join UKALI, he oversees the project administration Funjok is the first person to join UKALI and oversees project administration and operation based in Simikot. In his free time, he loves to work in the farm and hike in the forest.
Phurbu Lama is from Nimatang village in Simkot Rural Municipality, Humla. Trained as a Citizen Scientist, Phurbu actively contributes to biodiversity surveys and monitoring. In addition to his research involvement, Phurbu manages field logistics, ensuring the proper maintenance of inventory, gear, and equipment essential for research and conservation activities. Having spent several years studying Tibetan Buddhism, Phurbu uses his spiritual knowledge to promote conservation awareness among local communities, fostering connections through cultural and spiritual significance. His dedication to UKALI's Citizen Scientist program has inspired many youths across Humla to join the network, strengthening community-led conservation efforts in the region.
Urgen Choedon Lama is from Nimatang village in Simkot Rural Municipality, Humla. She completed her BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Northampton, UK. Urgen began her journey with UKALI as an intern, working on the human-snow leopard conflict assessment project. Recently, she joined as a Research Associate, becoming the newest member of the team. In her free time, Urgen enjoys birdwatching, reading, and spending time with her dog.