Leh, Mar 15: Ahead of the International Day of Forests, the Department of Botany at the University of Ladakh’s Leh Campus, in collaboration with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment of the Union Territory of Ladakh, will organise an online Green Hackathon on March 19.
The event is designed to encourage students to develop innovative approaches related to forest conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable development, while drawing attention to the role of forests in supporting livelihoods and regional economies.
The Hackathon forms part of the lead-up activities for the International Day of Forests to be observed on March 21. This year’s global theme, “Forests and Economies,” highlights the contribution of forest ecosystems to economic development, environmental resilience and community welfare.
According to the organisers, the initiative aims to provide a platform for students to present research ideas, technological concepts and prototypes addressing environmental challenges and promoting responsible use of forest resources.
Participation in the competition is open to students from universities, colleges, research institutions and higher secondary schools. Entries can be submitted individually or by teams of up to two participants.
The event will be conducted in virtual mode, with participants presenting their ideas through online presentations, prototype demonstrations or conceptual innovation displays.
Each participant or team will be given three minutes to present their proposal, followed by a two-minute interaction with the judging panel. Presentations are expected to outline the environmental challenge being addressed, the proposed solution, anticipated ecological and socio-economic outcomes, and the feasibility of implementation.
An expert panel will evaluate the entries on parameters such as originality, relevance to forest and environmental sustainability, practical applicability, scientific or technical merit and clarity of presentation.
The competition will explore a range of themes including green ideas for the green economy, forest-based startups, technology for tree conservation, waste-to-wealth initiatives, medicinal plant research, sustainable mushroom cultivation, green innovation suited to cold desert forests, digital ethnobotany, eco-friendly products derived from local plants and ideas for protecting sacred trees.
Organisers said the initiative seeks to promote environmental awareness among young people and encourage the development of eco-friendly enterprises and green technologies adapted to Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystems.
The top three entries selected by the jury will receive prizes and certificates, and the winners will be felicitated during the International Day of Forests programme scheduled for March 21.
Students interested in participating have been advised to complete their registration by March 18, while further details about the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
The organisers expressed hope that the Hackathon will encourage collaboration between students, researchers and environmental stakeholders while generating practical ideas for sustainable forest management and conservation across the region.
