Leh, Mar 04: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Tuesday said the administration will explore the possibility of hosting an international wildlife conference in the region to strengthen global cooperation on conservation, as Ladakh observed World Wildlife Day 2026 with renewed focus on protecting its fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
He was addressing a gathering at the Rinchen Auditorium, where the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army, organised the event under the global theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
In his inaugural address, the Chief Secretary described Ladakh’s biodiversity as a reflection of the deep-rooted relationship between its people and nature. He emphasised the need to pursue development without compromising ecological stability, particularly in high-altitude regions vulnerable to environmental stress.
Referring to concerns such as unregulated tourism, feral dog management, water scarcity and waste disposal, Kundra called for coordinated institutional efforts, greater community participation and the adoption of sustainable tourism practices. Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding Ladakh’s unique flora and fauna, he stressed the importance of collaborative action and policy support.
On the occasion, the Chief Secretary inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Ladakh’s “Big Seven” Schedule-I wildlife species, a Sowa Rigpa herbarium display of native medicinal plants, and eco-friendly felt products developed by the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust. A special postal cancellation was released in association with the Department of Posts, and a toll-free wildlife helpline was formally launched to encourage public participation in conservation initiatives.
Rajesh S., IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, who attended as Guest of Honour, described the celebration as an important chapter in Ladakh’s conservation journey. He announced the documentation of a new bird record for the Union Territory and highlighted mounting pressures on the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem due to climate change, glacial retreat and shifting pastoral landscapes. Emphasising the sustainable use of medicinal plants such as seabuckthorn, he called for stronger community engagement in conservation practices.
Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Fire and Fury Corps, reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to ecological stewardship in Ladakh. He outlined ongoing initiatives, including wildlife protection measures, anti-poaching support, sterilisation drives for feral dogs and collaboration in waste management.
A major highlight of the programme was the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Fire and Fury Corps and the UT Ladakh administration to advance snow leopard conservation, reinforcing civil–military cooperation in safeguarding the region’s biodiversity.
During the event, Padma Gyalpo, Regional Coordinator of the AWC eBird Project, presented the first record for Ladakh and the second record for India of the bird species Lapland Longspur, documented during the Asian Waterbird Census conducted in collaboration with Wetlands International South Asia.
A special lecture was delivered by Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director of World Wide Fund for Nature India, who described the partnership between the Indian Army and the UT Administration as a model for wider conservation collaboration. She spoke about the challenges facing Himalayan ecosystems and underscored the need to protect fragile mountain environments, preserve traditional livelihoods and ensure local community participation in policymaking.
The event also recognised community-led conservation efforts, including those of Ama Tsogspa Hanupata for juniper protection and the Brown Bear Trust, Kargil, for its sustained work in wildlife conservation.
Following the inaugural session, a comprehensive technical seminar was conducted focusing on medicinal and aromatic plants and their role in sustaining health, heritage and livelihoods. Experts from the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, the University of Ladakh, the Nature Conservation Foundation and the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust deliberated on sustainable management of medicinal plants, pastoral livelihood systems, wild edible plants and biodiversity conservation strategies.
Deliberations also covered wildlife-friendly infrastructure planning, training for Army personnel on the PARIVESH Portal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and a review of conservation initiatives undertaken by Honorary Wildlife Wardens in UT Ladakh.
A dedicated workshop sensitised Army personnel to key hotspots of endemic and rare species across Ladakh’s wildlife sanctuaries. The technical session concluded with closing remarks by the Chief Wildlife Warden, who reiterated the administration’s resolve to strengthen conservation efforts through collaboration, awareness and sustainable practices.
