Kathmandu, September 30 :

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed deep sorrow and regret at the tragic loss of pioneering national figures on board the Shree Airlines helicopter 9N-AHJ (MI-17) that crashed in Taplejung on September “The loss of such eminent personalities and national experts in the field of conservation, ethnography, national development and sustainable peace is inconsolable and truly a great loss to the nation and the international community,” it said in a statement issued here today.

“Their vision of Nepal and the sustainable management of the fragile mountain eco-system is one which recognised the intrinsic link between conservation of natural resources and participation of the local communities,” it said.

“Their pioneering effort to implement this perspective and their commitment to ensuring both sustainable development and peace in Nepal is demonstrated by the handing over of the Kangenjunga conservation area to local community, the statement added.