About Friends of FGHNP
Friends of the Great Himalayan National Park (FGHNP) is an informal group of volunteers dedicated to raising awareness of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) as a unique, protected area of the Western Himalayas. It was created in 2000 by Sanjeeva Pandey and Payson R. Stevens.
We are committed to protect, conserve, preserve, and celebrate nature.
We are the primary group that was instrumental in applying for and getting GHNP inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 by highlighting the Park’s Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs)—its importance to the scientific community as a biodiversity hotspot and also for the Park’s indisputable aesthetic value. The process, which was spearheaded in 2011, was a triumph for all the stakeholders who contributed to its success.
We also advocate and support the creation of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA) which, as per the WHS application and acceptance, is considered as part of WHS along with GHNP. GHNPCA includes Khirganga National Park and Pin Valley National Park and the wildlife sanctuaries of Rupi Bhabha, Tirthan, and Sainj.
Since its inception, FGHNP has created and maintained the website, www.greathimalayannationalpark.com , as an archive of important information pertaining to GHNP. Our aim is to provide extensive and in-depth content about the Park, from its creation and OUVs to the biodiversity of the region, its ecological value, the community, conservation efforts, past and current and future research, latest developments, and much more.
We will focus on continuing to be the foremost source of information on the Park’s science and ecology. We hope to be a valuable asset to the casual tourist/trekker as well as to research graduates, conservationists, environment scientists, and communities interested in the natural world.
At FGHNP, we recognize the importance of the local community and its role in conservation. Since 2001–2012, we have trained the community in ecotourism practices, helped develop sustainable livelihoods, and organized health melas/fairs for children. Our collaboration with Himalayan Insights will further our efforts to work with the Ecozone community to build and sustain a harmonious human–nature relationship.
We welcome new friends to join the group and support our efforts. You can also volunteer for projects (remote or at the Park), become a FGHNP intern (remote or at the Park), and advocate for FGHNP.
Contact us to become a Friend, to volunteer or intern, or to support us.