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The possibility of escaping the cycle of life and death

and the promise of enlightenment

encourages people to perform activities that benefit all beings.

This belief assigns as much importance to the environment

and its creatures as it does to humans

since every living creature is believed to have a soul.

In the remote lands of Tibet

For over 1,000 years

this concept has been translated into practical benefits for wildlife

And it starts literally on their doorstep.

Buddhist monasteries have sacred sites

Areas where taboos are placed on the hunting and killing of animals.

Some creatures have become so tame that the nuns are able to hand-feed them

Like these Tibetan-eared pheasants.

Thanks to hand-outs from the nuns

These rare birds can survive the worst of the winter.

In this extreme place, people with few resources

are prepared to share them with their needy fellow-creatures.

The Tibetan example is a model for conservation.