This book summarises progress in an innovative programme of transboundary cooperation in the region around the Mt. Everest Himalayas started in 1994/1995 by The Mountain Institute (TMI), ICIMOD, and the Governments of Nepal and China, under two projects funded by the MacArthur Foundation. It gives a brief background of the transboundary region and outlines the results of discussions and exchange activities among protected area managers, scientists, and local people from four contiguous protected areas around Mt. Everest that conserve a large, continuous ecosystem and rich cultural and natural heritages on both sides of the Himalayas. Reconciling the needs of local communities with conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity is a major challenge. This richly illustrated book will be of interest to all those concerned with transboundary issues, with approaches to reconciling the needs of people with those of conservation, and with the fate of the Mt Everest ecoregion.