2021 Rolex Awards Laureate Documentary: Rinzin Phunjok Lama

2021 Rolex Awards Laureate Documentary

Rinzin Phunjok Lama

Protecting Snow Leopards 

As a young man intrigued by the mysterious and mythical snow leopard that frequented his native region of Humla in Nepal’s Trans-Himalaya, Rinzin Phunjok Lama was determined to protect the fabled animal as well as the entire mountain environment. 

Early on, the 2021 Rolex Awards for Enterprise Laureate understood that an integrated, community-based approach was required to conserve both threatened wildlife and the habitat. A key for Lama is empowering locals, including students, to help restore the declining populations of animals and biodiversity. He sees them as the true stewards of the land.