Tibetan landscape image  
At the invitation of Tibet Society, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa gave a special talk on the “Importance of Protecting the Environment of Tibet and the Himalayas” at the Royal Asiatic Society. The Rt. Hon Norman Baker chaired this special talk with a Q&A session. His Holiness the 17th Karmapa has a keen interest in the environment and considers it to be the 21st century’s biggest challenge. His talk dealt with the fragile environmental situation in Tibet which is the source of Asia’s major rivers that benefit millions of people who live in countries such as India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh. He is the inspiration behind Khoryug [Environment in Tibetan] which is a network of Buddhist educational institutions in the Himalayas working together to protect the environment of the Himalayan region whilst emphasizing the values of compassion and interdependence to our common Earth and all beings that live on it. His Holiness the 17th Karmapa has said, “Whatever it is that I do, I want it to have a long term visible impact and for it to be practical. If I have the opportunity, I would most like to restore the natural environment in the Himalayas and Tibet, and to especially protect the forests, the water, and wildlife of this region.” This special event was organized by the Tibet Society. The Tibet Society acknowledges the support and cooperation from Tsurphu Labrang, Chonyi Wisdom Charity, and the Royal Asiatic Society. Our special thanks to Mr. Rinzin Wangyal for documenting this special event.