On May 28, 2008, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge” and would like to pass on this feedback for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of sustainable tourism innovators. We wish you continued luck with your sustainable, innovative, and socially impactful initiatives.

All the best, The Changemakers Team

“This is a unique adaptation of the widely-used model of homestays by incorporating a community-led approach to promote environmental conservation, waste management, and appreciation and protection of an endangered species. With regards to sustainability, I would be curious to learn more about the activities underway to replicate the innovation through a “train the trainer” model.”

--Changemakers Geotourism Judges: National Geographic Society, Past President the Ford Foundation, whl.travel - World Hotel Link, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth.

I would like to congratulate Rinchen and his team for their wonderful effort.
More so because they have to work in some of the most God forsaken places on earth ,and their drive and commitment is mind boggling to say the least.
hats off guys
singge dorje

I would hope more of such environment-community interaction programmes are inspired by Rinchen's good work. Unfortunately, media does not seem to find such stories too glamorous to be featured extensively.
I completely agree with Krishna Thingbaijam, a uniform economic growth is very crucial in India now.

I would hope more of such environment-community interaction programmes are inspired by Rinchen's good work. Unfortunately, media does not seem to find such stories too glamorous to be featured extensively.
I completely agree with Krishna Thingbaijam, a uniform economic growth is very crucial in India

Good growth stats ... has any study/survey been done that is able to actually measure a reduction in killing of snow leopards?

This is the possible best way to conserve the illusive snow leopard by generating income for the guesthouse owners living nearby the natural babitat of the valuable animal. Goog luck!

I am familier with SLC-India's work in Ladakh and can say with confidence that this is among the most holistic conservation programs I have seen in the region. The Himalayan Homestays is a key program that helps in supplementing household incomes, in an area where alternatives are few.

I think Mr. Rinchen Wangchuk is doing an excellent job.
I stay in Mumbai, India the comercial capital of the fastest growing nation in the World. We keep discussing & hearing of the new wave of economic boom we are riding on..the oppurtunities,topline/bottomline,Mergers/aquisitions etc
But real growth in absolute terms for the nation...well far from it..yes some parts of the country are growing at a dizzying pace..but what about the rest..the villages,the people living in the far flung areas of the north-east,the himalayas,the forest,wildlife,the Flora & fauna.Some days back I saw a poll which said Indians ranked highest in terms of Happiness quotient..I am not too sure whether a few select people in our metros represent the nation.. But I'm sure about one thing,that I'll find a smiling host when i get to stay in one of these Homestays, because he has found a way to co-exist with nature & respect everything it has to offer..I think real growth comes from being aware and taking nature along as one progresses.
And I believe Rinchen's innovative idea of involving conservation,tourism,economic upliftment sets an example which we need to apply for ourselves..wherever we work,whatever we do. People like Rinchen are the beacons of Real world growth, and deserves a place right next to the Ambani's,Tata's and the Mittal's and his innovative work surely shines out more than the Nano car if only we were to open our minds obscured by the neon lights of the Cities & Metros..