The National Geographic World Films' movie release, MOUNTAIN PATROL: KEKEXILI, chronicles the dramatic struggle between merciless antelope poachers and a volunteer band of Tibetans who defy them at risk of death, set against the dramatic backdrop of the 5,000-meter (3.1-mile) high Kekexili on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau.
In the spirit of this gripping and emotional story, National Geographic launched its new Tibet Conservation Fund, to preserve the biological diversity of Tibet and inform those who depend upon it. Administered through the Society's Research, Conservation, and Exploration grant-making programs, this fund supports innovative, multi-disciplinary projects and educational programs that help scientists, explorers, local residents, and government officials work together to preserve Tibet's wildlife and habitat, as well as supporting conservation efforts in surrounding regions where Tibetan communities reside.
Our commitment is staked on a long tradition of supporting field research and expeditions in Tibet. Some notable examples include:
Rick Ridgeway—Mountaineer Ridgeway and colleagues Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker, and photographer Galen Rowell discovered the birthing ground of the rare Tibetan antelope, the Chiru, in 2003 on their Chang Tang Trek.
George Schaller—Schaller is a naturalist with the Wildlife Conservation Society whose career spans half a century and has included research on the Tibetan antelope, snow leopards, and more recently the Marco Polo Sheep of the Pamir Mountains in central Asia.
Losang Rabgey—One of National Geographic's Emerging Explorers for 2006, Rabgey is working through a local nonprofit, Machik. Her passion to bring practical improvements to rural Tibetan villages has resulted in schools, libraries, community centers, sustainable tourism, new opportunities for women, and stronger communities.
National Geographic will make $50,000 available for the first grants from this fund. Gifts from filmgoers and members alike will augment the fund and allow the Conservation Trust to make a broader, sustained impact. We will report regularly on the success stories on this site.
The Society makes more than 300 grants for fieldwork annually and has a 119-year legacy of supporting future stars and discipline leaders in science, exploration, and conservation. Help us do more with your tax-deductible gift.
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Tibet Conservation 
