By Thupten shastri
Kathmandu, February 20, 2006: Tibetan refugees in Nepal yesterday launched a campaign against the use of endangered animal skins. Tibetans discarded their clothes made from animal skins and pledged to never use them again.
This is in solidarity with the drive started in Tibet recently, particularly in the eastern part of Tibet. Skins of rare endangered species, and rosaries made from elephant tusks were voluntarily given by people to be destroyed in fire.
Initiated by Dhomey Kyidukâa social welfare organization of Tibetans, the campaign is in support of the existing worldwide environment movement and respect for international environment laws to protect and preserve endangered wildlife species.
“Many incidents of burning animal skins and fur-lined chupas (traditional Tibetan dress) in many parts of Tibet, especially in the Amdo region have been reported. We the Tibetans here in Nepal gather here today to join this environmental drive and show our support and solidarity to stop the trade and use of animal skins and furs in clothing and accessories”, a statement issued on the occasion said.
The drive comes as a result of His Holiness’ address at the Amaravati Kalachakra.
