Role of the Tibet Autonomous Region in the BRI

The 2019 Forum on the Development of Tibet Autonomous Region opened on Friday in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China. The one-day forum, hosted by the State Council Information Office and the people's government of Tibet Autonomous Region, gathers nearly 160 scholars and officials from 37 countries and regions.

English

New Wetland Conservation Project Funded by LAO NIU Foundation Again

Lao Niu Foundation LogoDear colleagues and supporters of the Pendeba Society,

We are pleased to announce a good news that the Pendeba Society was awarded a grant of 1 million Chinese yuan from LAO NIU Foundation again. The grant will be designated for the wetland conservation demonstration project in QNNP. By holding community meetings to assess communities’ actual needs, the project will help lay out village regulations on wetland conservation and promote floodplain wetland grassland rotational management plans. In doing so, we will create buffering time for wetland to restore and formulate continued mechanism for sustainable wetland resource management. In consideration of free movement for wildlife, certain areas of wetland habitats of ecological importance will be protected by setting up enclosures to reduce negative impacts of human activities.  

English

The Pendeba Society Awarded A China Baosteel Environment Prize

The 9th "China Baosteel Environment Prize" was ceremoniously held at the Great Hall of The People on November 15, 2016 in Beijing. This year's prize was themed "Promote Ecological Civilization, Guide Green Development". Several leaders from the government also attended the ceremony and presented the prize to the awardees. Mrs. Shen Yueyue, the Deputy Director of the National Congress and Mr. Luo Fuhe, the Deputy director of the Chinese’ People’s Political Consultative Conference were presented during the awarding ceremony. Mr Zhai Qing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, gave the keynote speech on behalf of the hosting side. Other prominent figures such as Prof. Qu Ge ping also attended the prize ceremony and marked a successful event.

At the ceremony, the Pendeba Society's project "Wetland Conservation in QNNP", sponsored by the Central Government and LAONIU Foundation, was selected for an Excellence Award. This marked the first project from the Tibet Autonomous Region to be awarded. The project was also awarded for a Third Prize at the second China Charity Fair. "China Baosteel Environment Prize", formerly named "China Environment Prize", is founded in 2000 and appraised once every year, and is the highest social award in the field of Chinese environmental protection. As the founder and Executive Director of the Pendeba Society, Tsering Norb was honored to receive the award on behalf of the Society. The award does not only recognize our achievement, but also brings in more responsibilities. We are very much appreciative of the continued support from our communities, the government and other sponsors like LAONIU Foundation. We also thank all the fellow colleagues who support us in varied ways over these years. We will strive for excellence and work harder for the sustainable development of the TAR.
 

English

The Pendeba Society Awarded as Outstanding Organization for 4.25 Earthquake Relief Contribution

On Sept 28, 2015, the celebration on 50-year anniversary of the establishment of TAR as well as 4.25 earthquake relief contribution award ceremony was held in Shigatse City. Governmental representatives from TAR attended the event and delivered keynote speech that emphasized on the long-term social and economic development of TAR.

At the event, the deputy secretary of Shigatse City, Mr Dai Jingbin announced the award for outstanding organizations and individuals who contributed to the 4.25 earthquake relief. The secretary of the city, Mr Danzeng Langjie, on behalf of the government, congratulated on the awarded organizations and individuals, and expressed gratitude to those who contributed to earthquake relief efforts. The Pendeba Society with honor was awarded as one of the outstanding organizations for our contribution to the earthquake relief.

We belief that with support from the government as well as other public and private supporters, people who suffered from the disaster will soon return to normal life and rebuild homelands. As a locally nourished grassroots NGO, we, the Pendeba Society, are resolved to take responsibilities to spare no effort to help out those who suffered and build our homeland together.

Last but not least, we are very much appreciative of the support we received from many fellow organizations from across the country. The Gansu Association for NGO Cooperation (GANPO), ONE Foundation and Beijing Solar Valley Foundation have supported us in donating tents, rice, blankets, shoes, tea, butter and other necessary disaster relief materials, with a total worth of 1.86 million yuan. In the meantime, we also received generous support from the governments of Shigatse City, Tingri County, Nyalam County and Gyerong County in the course of relief material distribution in the disaster impacted villages.
 

English

Reducing human-wildlife conflicts in core protected areas in QNNP

With core funding from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China through its program supporting social organizations, the Pendeba Society's proposed project "Reducing human-wildlife conflicts in core protected areas in QNNP" gained much attention and was successfully put in to implementation. This has marked our third year of consecutive funding support from the Ministry.

The Pendeba Society follows a strategy that focuses on innovation and development, and plays a key role in the course of community development and conservation in QNNP. This year's project area has a climatic and geographical advantage that enables multi-seasonal agricultural harvest. However, given enforced wildlife protection, increased wildlife in return oftentimes destroys farmlands and crops. This has further provoked the human-wildlife conflicts in the area. Local villagers will have to patrol the farmlands day after night. How to improve such situation has therefore become an urgency. The Pendeba Society has relied much on a model of "Three-Way Partnership" that mobilizes the community to participate in the development of the protected area. Three-way partnership involves "bottom-up" initiative from communities, "top-down" support from government agencies, and "outside-in" training and support from peer organizations. The Society together with local governments and communities has conducted thorough assessment and proposed to establish wire fence to keep off wildlife to address the problem.

The project was officially launched on April 25, 2015 in Keyrong Town, which unfortunately coincided with the catastrophic earthquake in Nepal. In the morning, the project was smoothly implemented among participating villagers. No one would know of an earthquake's coming and when it happened, it was destructive, houses collapsing, rocks falling down and telecommunication cut off. We could do nothing but suspend the project and retreat. On April 26, on our way back to Keyrong County Center, a call from Bangxing Village Chief that he and his village would continue the project at this moment. Due to the earthquake, old farmland encloses built by rocks all collapsed and all the livestock went out and started eating and destroying newly grown crops. This has made the situation worse and villagers would have to rescue the crops first from being destroyed by livestock. Among all the participating villages, Xinjiang, Zhuotang and Maga have completed the project with support from local government, while other villages also expressed urgency in restoring the farmland fences first and then disaster relief. The earthquake did not halt our project which in a way shows the project is in great and urgent need in the area. Up to now, except three villages, all the participating villages have completed the project. The earthquake destroyed the roads to the three villages which prevented transportation of fence materials, as a result the completion of project was delayed.

Overall, the project has well protected farmlands and crops from destruction by wildlife such as wild boars. It in a way also helps conserve wildlife's population. Secondly, by protecting farmlands and crops, agricultural security could be maintained and it reduced much social and economical problems to stabilize the border region. Lastly, the project has maintained and reinforced the agricultural infrastructures, promoting the development of other crop production in the region. The project has a total investment of 535, 000 CNY.
 

English

Pendeba Initiative Received Equator Prize 2014 in New York, USA

Dear friends of the Pendeba Society,

I am pleased to announce that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conferred the Equator Prize 2014 on the Pendeba Society at a high-level ceremony at Lincoln Center in New York, US, on 22 September 2014, as a kick-off to the UN Secretary-General's Climate Summit. The Prize is awarded biannually to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. As local and indigenous groups across the world chart a path towards sustainable development, the Equator Prize shines a spotlight on their efforts by honoring them on an international stage.

Following a global call for nominations, the Equator Initiative received a record-setting 1,234 nominations from 121 countries around the world. An extensive review process guided by the Prize’s Technical Advisory Committee of international experts was undertaken over the last several months, concluding with the announcement of the thirty-five winners. Against a highly competitive process, the Pendeba Initiative was awarded the prize. In support of the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit and the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, UNDP and partners hosted the Equator Prize 2014 Award Ceremony at Lincoln Center on Monday, 22 September 2014.  Attended by more than 2,400 people, the evening was a celebration of leadership by indigenous and local communities working to meet climate and development challenges through the conservation and sustainable use of nature. The Masters of Ceremony were Connie Britton (Actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador) and Edward Norton (Actor and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity), each of whom congratulated the Equator Prize 2014 winners and appealed for greater recognition and empowerment of indigenous and local communities in meeting climate, development and environment challenges head-on. Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator bestowed the Award Certificate to the winners, and Al Gore, former US Vice President gave keynote address for the event. 

As a winner, I am pleased to represent our country, my fellow Tibetans, and all the Pendebas who are dedicated to the cause of environmental protection in Tibet to attend this exciting ceremony. I have participated in many a such activity, but this time it is one of the most impressive ceremonies for me, because it is not just a grand ceremony organized by UNDP, but it also serves as an important worldwide platform for the Pendeba Society to shine. After the award ceremony, I was glad to meet four young ladies from China, and two of them were Tibetans. They also felt very happy to see our award-winning, and said it was a pride of the Tibetan people and the pride of the Chinese people. For us, the Equator Prize does not mean "a form of encouragement" and "a high honor" alone; more importantly, it shows that our initiative has gained global recognition for international philanthropy. As former Director of Disaster Relief Department, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Mr. Wang Zhenyao said, this is an honor for the Chinese philanthropy. This is a milestone in the history of the Pendeba Society, which encourages our future work on environmental protection and sustainable community development. By participating in this event and other learning activities, not only have I learned a lot of knowledge, but also got to know many new colleagues who work on similar issues.

Since the establishment of the Pendeba Society in 2009, our projects have won tremendous support and praise from local governments and stakeholders, and in just a few years we have received more than a dozen awards. Our achievements could not be made possible without active participation and support from governments, fellow colleagues, and local communities. We are very much appreciative of all the participants in the Pendeba Initiative, who have contributed to our today’s accomplishments. Finally, I would like to thank our longtime supporter: Future Generations and LAO NIU Foundation, recommenders for the Equator Prize: Mr Chen Taiyong, Country Director, Haifer International China, and Ms Zhang Junzuo, PMO Team Leader, UK-China Collaboration on forestry investment and trade, as well as my capable assistant, Mr Liu Rongkun, Program Manager of the Pendeba Society for their efforts!

Tsering Norbu
Executive Director, The Pendeba Society
Lhasa, Tibet, China

English

QNNP Conservation and Community Development Project Evaluation Meeting Held in Tingri

This year marks the last phase of our flagship project “QNNP Conservation andl Community Development,” with a fund of 1 million Chinese yuan from Lao Niu Foundation. In the past two years, the outcomes and impacts of the project have been well received by local participating communities and gained continued support from local governments and forestry departments as well.  In the meantime, the project was also acknowledged at both national and international levels. For example, our project was conferred with a Bronze Prize at the Second China Public Welfare Project Contest, and selected as a Winner of the Equator Prize 2014 from UNDP. It is a great honor for the Pendeba Society as an Equator Prize 2014 winner, which shows a positive recognition and support of our work on the planet’s “Third Pole”.

In order to successfully finalize the project and ensure lasting impact, the Pendeba Society has held a project evaluation meeting as required by project on August 19, 2014 at Tingri QNNP Hotel. Around 50 participants including local village chiefs, village Party secretaries, and women leaders attended the meeting. The meeting is also a living demonstration of the Society’s emphasis on the three-way partnership that brings together: 1) community-led initiative from the bottom-up, 2) the enabling support of government, and 3) the technical support of outside-in organizations. Mr. Sonam Luoguo, Director of TAR’s Social Organization Bureau was also invited to the meeting, which was chaired by Mr Tsering Norbu, Executive Director of the Pendeba Society. During the meeting, Mr Sonam enquired participants of their feedback and effect about the project, and participants all expressed their satisfaction towards and truly benefited from the project. Later, with guidance from the Pendeba Society staff, the participants have mapped further needs and plans for future activities. At the end, Mr Sonam presented gifts and Hada to the participants, encouraging them to take initiatives in the course of overall development of their communities and environment in the coming years.

Staffers from the Pendeba Society also accompanied Mr. Sonam to some project sites, which Mr. Sonam gave high praises. Overall, our project have been fully acknowledged and supported by multiple stakeholders. We would like to extend our gratitude to the continued support from Lao Niu Foundation, in particular Mr. Niu Gensheng, founder of Lao Niu Foundation, and Mr. Lei Yongsheng, secretary general of Lao Niu Foundation. Meanwhile, we would also like to thank all those people who have consistently supported us and helped us grow.

English

Pendeba Society participated in the China Charity Forum (2014)

On August 16, 2014, the China Charity Forum (2014) kicked off its opening ceremony at Beijing International Convention Center. The Forum is hosted by China Charity Alliance, supported by Lao Niu Foundation, and participated by a number of national and international organizations and experts. The Forum is themed “Open a philanthropy era,” and underlined by contemporary keywords like “Reformation, Innovation and Sustainability.” Through keynote speeches and high-level dialogues, the forum aimed to bring in ideas and discuss the trend of global philanthropy developments, and how to improve China’s philanthropy in the context of comprehensive reforms. The forum started its main topic on “Create Shared Value,” while the parallel forums in the afternoon included four sub forums: the Global Charity Forum, the China City Charity Forum, the Social Relief Forum, and the Youth Charity Forum. The corresponding themes are: Open a New Era of Chinese-Foreign Charity Cooperation, Charity and City Governance Innovation, Social and Political Cooperation for New Social Relief, and Kind Youth Makes a Better Philanthropy in China. 

Mr. Tesring Norbu, Exective Director of the Pendeba Society was honored to be invited to this Forum, and actively participated in the sub forum of the Global Charity Forum: Open a New Era of Chinese-Foreign Charity Cooperation. During the sub forum, together with other experts and representatives of renowned charities, Norbu discussed how China’s philanthropy could reach out beyond China, collaborate with international charity organizations, and actively participate to support international philanthropy causes. Focused on “what China can contribute to global philanthropy,” a number of guests exchanged their ideas, and all agreed that philanthropy could serve as a bridge to international communication. 

In the meantime, during the Forum, the Pendeba Society was able to spread its impact, share its success stories and plans, and enhance its future collaborations. The Pendeba Society is very much appreciative of the invitation from the forum organizer, especially Lao Niu Foundation, and looks forward to deepening our Pendeba program and contributing to the overall sustainable development of the region we serve. 

English

Tsering Norbu participates in the Kinship Conservation Fellows program in USA

Kinship Conservation Fellows is a ground-breaking environmental leadership program that emphasizes market-based solutions to environmental problems. Kinship’s dynamic global network of 191 Fellows in 47 countries and 6 continents is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and dedicated to effective conservation.

Mr Tsering Norbu, Executive Director of the Pendeba Society is selected as one the 18 Kinship Conservation Fellows this year, where along other fellows from 10 countries, he traveled to Bellinghan, Washington, USA for a month-long fellowship exploring market-based approaches to environmental issues. 

Kinship Conservation Fellows are mid-career practitioners with an interest in market-based conservation principles and a demonstrated commitment to leadership. From June 29 to July 30, the 2014 cohort of Fellows will take part in an exceptional learning community that prepares them to successfully implement innovative strategies in the field.

English

The Pendeba Society selected as an Equator Prize 2014 Winner

We are pleased to announce that the Pendeba Society of the Tibet Autonomous Region has been chosen as one of the winners of the Equator Prize 2014. The Equator Prize is awarded biennially to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. As local and indigenous groups across the world chart a path towards sustainable development, the Equator Prize shines a spotlight on their efforts by honoring them on an international stage.

Following a global call for nominations, the Equator Initiative received a record-setting 1,234 nominations from 121 countries around the world. An extensive review process guided by the Prize’s Technical Advisory Committee of international experts was undertaken over the last several months, concluding with the announcement of the thirty-five winners.

While diverse in their innovations and areas of work, each winner demonstrates community-based, grassroots action to address environment, poverty and climate change challenges head-on. Twenty-six winners including a representative of the Pendeba Society will be supported to attend a high-level awards ceremony at Lincoln Center in New York on Monday, September 22nd 2014 as a contribution to the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit.

It is a great honor for the Pendeba Society as an Equator Prize 2014 winner, which shows a positive recognition and support of our work on the planet’s “Third Pole”. We will certainly keep up our good work. By this chance, we would also like to thank all those people who have consistently supported us and helped us grow. Tashi Telek!

More information about the the Equator Initiative: 

The Equator Initiative brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses and grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The Equator Initiative seeks to:

  • Recognize the success of local and indigenous initiatives,
  • Create opportunities and platforms to share knowledge and good practice,
  • Inform policy to foster an enabling environment for local and indigenous community action, and
  • Develop the capacity of local and indigenous initiatives to scale-up their impact.
English

Pages

Subscribe to Front page feed

© 西藏自治区潘得巴协会| 中国西藏拉萨市林廓西路40号包装公司基地2-2-7号| 联系人: 次仁罗布 手机:139 0892 2773 | 电邮:2283197490@qq.com