hima jomo association
Preserving Himalayan natural and cultural diversity
Established in 2023 in Paris, the HIMA JOMO ASSOCIATION is the creation of HIMA JOMO.
Its primary mission is to contribute to the preservation of the nature and cultural diversity of the Himalayas by establishing partnerships with charitable organisations operating in the region.
Supporting WWF’s Snow Leopard Preservation Efforts
In line with our unwavering commitment, we have allocated 1% of our sales budget for the years 2022-2023 to support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in their tireless efforts to safeguard snow leopards in the Himalayas. By joining hands with WWF, we aim to make a meaningful impact in preserving the majestic snow leopards and their precious habitat.
About WWF’s Snow Leopard Preservation Project
WWF has been working for many years to conserve the snow leopard by supporting a range of projects across Central Asia to reduce conflict between leopards and people, boost rural development, and control the illegal wildlife trade.
Photo by Vincent Munier
Snow leopards, iconic species adapted to the Himalayan mountain range, play a vital role in their high-altitude habitat. Found across Bhutan to China, they are apex predators and indicators of ecosystem health. Their well-being impacts other species and the livelihoods of millions relying on rivers originating from these mountains. Sadly, the population of wild snow leopards has dwindled to a critical level, with as few as 4,000 individuals remaining in the wild. This decline can be attributed primarily to the loss of their natural habitat, rampant poaching, and the devastating impacts of climate change.
The Phantom of the Himalayas faces innumerable challenges, from habitat loss and climate change to human-wildlife conflict. Through collaborative efforts, education, and a strong push for policy changes, we can work together to ensure better protection for this species.
Our Collaboration with Nepal Evergreen: Planting Trees for a Greener Future
To further our commitment to environmental conservation, we have partnered with Nepal Evergreen, a remarkable organisation based in Nepal dedicated to combating deforestation in the Himalayas through tree planting initiatives.
From 2023 – 2024, for every perfume purchase made at HIMA JOMO, the association proudly plants a tree in the Himalayas.
Introducing Nepal Evergreen: Making a Difference in the Himalayas
Nepal Evergreen is a volunteer-run initiative committed to planting trees and plants in impoverished rural regions of Nepal. The organisation works closely with rural communities in Nepal’s Kinja Valley, focusing on initiatives such as school reconstruction, combating deforestation, and supporting villagers connected to the natural environment.
Nepal, a country facing numerous challenges as one of the world’s least developed nations, heavily relies on its natural environment for sustenance, shelter, and livelihoods.
Comparing to 30 years ago, only 30% of its original forests remain due to deforestation, forest fires and agricultural practices. The degradation profoundly impacts the local communities and threatens the delicate balance of wildlife ecosystems.
By planting trees in rural Nepal, we aim to enhance the well-being and economic opportunities of communities, farms, orchards, and households. Moreover, this endeavour promotes biodiversity, resilience, and the preservation of wildlife habitats, while also contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with tourism.
In 2023, we are committed to planting a variety of fruit tree saplings, including popular varieties like Avocado, Pear, Mandarin, Coffee, Sichuan Pepper, Lemon, and Walnut. We also respond to community preferences by initiating Bamboo, Lokta, and tea plantations in the Kinja Valley.
Promoting Arts, Crafts, Culture and Artisans from all around the Himalayas
At HIMA JOMO ASSOCIATION, we are deeply committed to the preservation and celebration of Himalayan culture and tradition. Through our initiatives and projects, we strive to honour the rich heritage of the Himalayan region, which encompasses diverse customs, languages, arts, and spiritual practices. Our efforts include supporting local artisans and craftsmen, promoting traditional music and dance, documenting oral histories, and fostering community engagement.
By collaborating with local communities and cultural experts, we aim to safeguard and promote the unique cultural identity of the Himalayas for generations to come. Through our collective endeavours, we aim to ensure that the vibrant tapestry of Himalayan culture continues to thrive and inspire both locally and globally.
Step into the enchanting realm of the Crafts of the Himalayas, where tradition meets innovation in a symphony of creativity and craftsmanship. This curated anthology serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions that have flourished amidst the towering peaks and verdant valleys of the Himalayan region.
Women workers of an organisation named Krishna Wool in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The tradition in the small villages is for men to work in the fields and women to stay at home doing the household chores. Many organisations have opened up women’s association in these areas, providing women with jobs and livelihood in return of making shawls and other crafts. This program have helped women of these areas to uplift the society and be independent.
Himachali woman spinning wool into yarn using a drop spindle. The spinner drafts or pulls out a small amount of fiber from the batt and twists it using the drop spindle, creating a continuous strand of yarn. The thickness and twist of the yarn can be adjusted to achieve the desired characteristics.
The exquisite Himachali shawl stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Adorned with vibrant local motifs that echo the spirit of the land, each thread is carefully woven by skilled artisans, steeped in centuries-old tradition. With meticulous attention to detail and a labor of love that spans weeks, if not months, each shawl is a rare masterpiece, embodying the essence of Himalayan craftsmanship. As a symbol of both warmth and cultural pride, this timeless piece serves as a cherished heirloom, connecting generations to the soul of Himachal.
Art Curation 2024.05
Witness the ephemeral beauty of a traditional Buddha crafted from ice sourced from the sacred Kyi Chu River in Lhasa : “Ice Buddha Sculpture (eight works)” by Gade, a Tibetan artist of modern contemporary performance art.
In this work, Gade sculpted a traditional Buddha “Shakyamuni” from ice.
Hailing from the Himalayan region, Gade draws inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry and spiritual heritage of his homeland.Gade’s luminary vision of contemporary Tibetan art, intertwines tradition with innovation, infusing his creations with profound symbolism and spiritual depth. Renowned for his thought-provoking performance pieces, Gade’s artistic journey unfolds like a poetic exploration of identity and impermanence. With each brushstroke and sculpted form, he bridges ancient traditions with modern narratives, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate web of existence. Through his captivating performances, such as the mesmerizing “Ice Buddha Sculpture,” Gade transcends the boundaries of art, igniting conversations on cultural preservation and the ephemeral nature of life in the Himalayan landscape.the sculpting process spanned several weeks, after which the artwork was placed in the middle of the same Kyi Chu River in Lhasa from which the sculpture was made initially. The artist then started taking photographs as it melts in the Tibetan sunshine, finally disappearing back into the waters from which it came. Gade’s performance piece not only pays homage to ancient Tibetan spiritual traditions but also serves as a poignant commentary on the erosion of Tibetan identity amidst today’s global landscape.