Lo Gyalpo Jigme Cultural Conservation Foundation

In 1994, the Late King of Mustang, Gyalpo Jigme Palbar Bista requested Richard Blum, Founder and former Chairman of the American Himalayan Foundation (AHF) to support his quest in restoring and reviving the centuries-old monasteries and monuments of Lomanthang, Mustang. This partnership encouraged the local community leaders to found Lo Gyalpo Jigme Cultural Conservation Foundation (LGJF) that worked in cultural preservation and community development of upper Mustang region. In 2002, LGJF was officially registered with Nepal government and started working in education, health, infrastructure development and cultural and heritage preservation field. Currently, the foundation operates 15 daycare centers, hostel for higher education, local language programs in four community schools,support for two monastic schools, seven healthposts, art restoration at 14th century monastery, and village infrastructure development projects. LGJF works in the 21 villages in both Lomanthang and Lo Gekar Damodar Kunda rural municipalities. Jigme Foundation's comprehensive approach to community development in upper Mustang has made significant strides, positively impacting education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and infrastructure, with strategic plans for continued success in the future. LGJF now wants to further strengthen their role in environment and biodiversity conservation in response to the region's vulnerability to climate change and its impacts in the mountain community.