NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Shelley Viles at 603.283.2145 or Jan Fiderio at 603.283.2107

October 17, 2007 for Immediate Release

Project Snow Leopard Founder to Speak November 1 at Antioch University New England

The ES Department hosts economist-turned-conservationist Shafqat Hussai

Keene, NH -You are invited to join the Environmental Studies Department November 1 to hear Shafqat Hussain discuss Project Snow Leopard, a non-profit conservation program in northern Pakistan that combines ecotourism and low-cost, livestock insurance to protect endangered snow leopards.

Hussain, an economist, researcher and conservationist, created Project Snow Leopard (PSL) in 1998 to address the declining leopard population. PSL, based in Baltistan, Pakistan, is an example of a program that creatively solves a conflict between humans and wildlife. In the Himalayas, snow leopards prey on domesticated goats because their traditional wild prey - the ibex and markhor - are disappearing. Since half of the Balti economy comes from animal husbandry - primarily goat herding - local herders frequently kill the leopards. The endangered animal is also at risk from the illegal trade of its coveted pelt.

By combining ecotourism and a low-cost insurance program for herders, Project Snow Leopard supports a profitable tourist attraction while compensating herders for loss of their livestock. PSL's insurance pays villagers for every goat killed by the predators, which discourages villagers from killing the cats. To participate in this community run insurance program, villagers pay a minimal amount based on the number of goats owned. Money raised this way covers half of all claims. PSL raises the remaining claim money through its ecotourism agency, Full Moon Night Trekking, which promotes the Snow Leopard as its star attraction. Because both programs must succeed to be profitable, locals have another reason to protect the leopard.

In 2006 Hussain won a Rolex Award for Enterprise for his efforts with PSL. You can hear him speak in the community room on Thursday, November 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This program is free and open to the public. For more information on Hussain, PSL and snow leopards visit: http://www.rolexawards.com/laureates/laureate-94-hussain.html.

About Antioch University New England
The Department of Environmental Studies educates, trains, and develops environmental practitioners to act responsibly, compassionately, reflectively, and creatively. It offers six master's degree programs: Conservation Biology, Environmental Advocacy and Organizing, Environmental Education, Science Teacher Certification, Resource Management and Conservation, and Individualized Programs. Graduates of the Department of Environmental Studies are educators, advocates, managers, policy makers, and scientists. The department also offers a Doctoral (PhD) Program with a focus in Environmental Policy and Environmental Education.

About Antioch University New England
Antioch University New England, based in Keene, New Hampshire, offers rigorous, practice-oriented, values-based Master's, Doctoral and certificate programs to more than one thousand students. Programs in education, leadership and management, environmental studies, and psychology reflect a dedication to activism, social justice, community service, and sustainability.

For more information contact Heather Morrison at (603)283-2329 or Jan Fiderio at (603) 283-2107.

Last Updated: 1/5/12