"We are happy to be able to support these grass-roots projects that reflect the commitment of people around the world to preserving and celebrating the world’s mountain areas," said Leslie Taylor, associate director of the Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre.

This year’s selection committee reviewed 31 grant applications from 10 countries. The 2001 grant recipients are:

Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa of Nepal - $5000 - for the purchase of 40 copper prayer wheels for and sundry structural improvements to a museum of Sherpa Culture in Namche Bazar, Nepal.

Ed Douglas and Ray Wood of the United Kingdom - $5000 - for the creation of an AV presentation, photo exhibition, articles, and research for a book on the Cairngorm range in Scotland.

Serena Rix of Australia - $2500 - to support the making and distribution of two videos on sustainable trekking, intended for viewing by trekkers and porters in Nepal.

Trevor McFadyen of Canada and Taiwan - $4000 - to support the creation of a curriculum-based, Internet-distributed edukit on the Snow Leopard. This edukit will be aimed at Canadian students in Grades 7 - 9.

Vera Matrasova-Engler and Susan Engler Potts of Canada - $3500 - to support research and photo compilation for the publication of a book of the photography of Bruno Engler.

Guy Clarkson of Canada - $3000 - to support the film project The Shining Mountains which will introduce the natural and cultural history of the Canadian Rockies to Banff visitors.

Mountain Culture grants are awarded annually to projects that creatively communicate the environment, human heritage, inspiration and adventure of the world’s mountain places. more »»