Leh, Oct 15: Bringing pride to Ladakh and the academic community of the region, Ms. Rigzin Wangmo, a researcher with the Ladakh-specific Modeling and Space Applications (LAMA) Project of the University of Ladakh, has been honoured with the Best Presentation Award at the prestigious Regional Climate Change Conference held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The international conference convened leading scientists, researchers, and policymakers from across South Asia to discuss innovative solutions to the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on mountainous ecosystems. Ms. Wangmo’s presentation stood out for its scientific precision, clarity of analysis, and practical policy relevance, earning widespread appreciation from delegates and jury members alike.
Her award-winning presentation focused on using space-based data and advanced climate models to study the rapid changes occurring in the region’s glaciers, permafrost, and water resources. Her research highlighted how satellite observations and regional modeling tools can help predict environmental shifts, enabling better planning for sustainable livelihoods and disaster resilience in high-altitude areas.
Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, congratulated Ms. Wangmo on her achievement, calling it “a significant milestone that places Ladakh on the global map of climate research and space-based environmental monitoring.” He further noted that the LAMA Project aims to integrate climate modeling, space technology, and local data to support sustainable mountain development and policy formulation. Pertinently, LAMA project is a collaborative initiative in Ladakh focused on using satellite technology for modeling and space applications to address challenges like climate change and natural resource management. It stands for Ladakh specific Modelling and space Applications and involves the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO, the University of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). The project provides tools for evidence-based decision-making through applications like 3D city models, weather forecasting, and assessments of air quality, solar energy potential, and snow and glacier cover.
