A Pioneer of Environmental Awakening, a Guardian of the Mountains, and a Leader Beyond Borders Long before the world fully grasped the devastating reality of climate change, a visionary leader from Nepal, former Constituent Assembly member DB Nepali, rang the warning bell: “Save Our Himalayas First.”
While others remained unaware or indifferent, DB Nepali saw what many failed to — the slow death of the Himalayas was not just a regional concern, it was a global emergency.
Living in Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna, DB Nepali launched a movement not just for Nepal but for the entire planet — a campaign rooted in urgency, science, and deep emotional connection: Save Our Himalayas First Nepal (SOHF Nepal).
From “Zero” to Global Campaign – The Journey of a Mountain Crusader
Remember the time when terms like “global warming” or “climate emergency” were absent in the everyday Nepali vocabulary? The melting of glaciers and vanishing snowlines were distant concerns. But DB Nepali saw it coming.
He recognized that Mount Everest is not just a peak of pride — it’s a pillar of our existence. If the Himalayas perish, life in South Asia, and far beyond, will collapse under ecological, economic, and cultural consequences.
With no governmental support, no foreign grants, and zero financial incentives, he launched a revolutionary initiative, saying:
“If we don’t save the Himalayas first, the world cannot be saved.”
Today, that very initiative has evolved into a global environmental movement. SOHF Nepal has chapters, alliances, and active collaborators in over 30 countries, gaining recognition as one of the most proactive climate justice campaigns from the Global South.
DB Nepali: Not Just a Politician, but a Planetary Messenger
A former member of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly, DB Nepali’s mindset transcends traditional politics. He’s a doer, not just a talker. At international climate summits, he’s roared in defense of the Himalayan ecosystem.
He said:
“If we let the mountains die, our culture, water sources, tourism, and agriculture will perish too.”
This was not a slogan — it was a truth born from Himalayan soil.
Even without government acknowledgment, his movement pressed on — far ahead of its time.
Now, as the world rings the climate emergency alarm, he stands vindicated.
From Nepal to the World: Saving Mountains Beyond Borders
DB Nepali’s vision is not limited by national boundaries.
He says:
“To us, Everest feels personal, but every mountain in the world plays a role in sustaining life.”
From the volcanoes of Indonesia, to the Alps in Europe, and the Rockies in North America, he’s voiced concern over the deteriorating state of global mountain systems.
He actively proposed the Trans-Himalayan Environmental Accord, aiming to unify mountain nations like India, Bhutan, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in a shared policy for mountain conservation.
“Saving Mountains is Saving the Nation’s Lifeline”
In Nepal, the Himalayas are not merely tourist attractions — they are the lifeblood of the nation. Over 80% of Nepal’s rivers originate from the mountains, fueling:
- Hydropower
- Irrigation
- Drinking water
- Agriculture
DB Nepali warns:
“If the Himalayas die, our nation won’t survive. Saving them isn’t an option — it’s an obligation.”
15 Years Before ‘Everest Talk’, There Was ‘Himalaya Talk’
Today, the Government of Nepal is hosting the ‘Everest Talk’ with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as the keynote speaker. But let us not forget: this conversation didn’t begin today.
15 years ago, DB Nepali initiated ‘Himalaya Talk’ — a grassroots movement that brought this issue to universities, schools, and international forums.
He was the first to gather:
- Mountaineering associations
- Environmentalists
- Local Himalayan communities
— all in one room, to discuss and act on Himalayan preservation.
He planted the seed — and now the world is catching up.
Why DB Nepali is a True Visionary Leader
He doesn’t run an NGO for prestige. He leads with ideas that shape global narratives. The world is now discussing:
- Climate migration
- Glacial lake outburst floods
- Retreating snowlines
But DB Nepali was talking about these back when he was meeting students in Pokhara, armed with nothing but passion and data.
He wasn’t ignored because he was wrong — he was ignored because he was ahead of his time.
From Political Ignorance to Global Recognition
At first, government institutions sidelined his warnings. But as disasters unfolded, the state began to adopt similar language:
- Everest Dialogue
- Sagarmatha Summit
These are now reflections of what DB Nepali pioneered — a global environmental awakening from the heart of Nepal.
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A Vision of Sustainable Tourism and Ecological Responsibility
DB Nepali strongly advocates for responsible tourism:
“Let’s promote tourism — but not at the cost of nature.”
He raises concerns about:
- Over-climbing
- Plastic pollution
- Commercial exploitation of sacred mountains
His vision: a tourism industry that thrives without killing the mountains.
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A Global Footprint from the Himalayan Soil
Today, Save Our Himalayas First collaborates with over 50 international institutions. From California to Tokyo, Geneva to New Delhi, the movement is no longer Nepal’s alone — it’s the world’s cause.
He’s been invited as a Guest Climate Policy Advisor by institutions like:
No longer just a Nepali leader — DB Nepali is fast becoming a global climate hero.
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Conclusion: Now is Not the Time to Watch, But to Walk with Leaders Like DB Nepali
A single mind can spark a vision. A collective mind can build a movement. A timeless vision can rewrite history.
DB Nepali’s movement is no longer just a campaign — it’s a climate revolution. Now, it’s time for all of us:
- The Nepal government
- International organizations
- Youth
- Policy makers
- Citizens
To walk beside DB Nepali — a man who dared to warn the world before the world was ready to listen.
“If we save the Himalayas today, the Himalayas will save our tomorrow.”
