Kargil: Govt. Model Degree College Zanskar, in collaboration with the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLCIT), hosted a day long Environmental Education workshop on the theme “Exploring Biodiversity and Climate Change in Zanskar”.

Rigzin Yandol provided a brief introduction to the key speakers and outlined the program protocol. It was followed by a welcome speech and a keynote on the critical need for conservation and sustainable development in Ladakh, particularly in Zanskar, by Mohd Ishaq, principal of GMDC Zanskar.

A pre-test assessment was conducted to gauge participants’ existing knowledge of local biodiversity.

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Dr. Tsewang Namgail, Director SLCIT, delivered an extensive talk on natural heritage of Ladakh focussed on “Ladakh Geography and Climate,” covering a wide range of related topics. Many queries raised by students were answered by Dr. Namgail.

Later Jigmet Dadul, Senior Program Manager at SLCIT, gave a presentation on “Large Herbivorous Mammals of Ladakh,” highlighting various species, their distribution patterns, habitats, identification keys, and conservation strategies.

In the post-lunch session, three keynote speakers presented a detailed presentation on their respective themes. Padma Angma, Project Manager at SLCIT (Birder), provided an overview of “Birds of Ladakh,” emphasizing both migratory and resident bird species in the region.

Kriti Chawan presented a detailed discussion on the impact of climate change in Zanskar, focusing on glacier-induced lake formation and the risks of glacial lake outburst floods.

In the end Dr. Tsewang Namgail further spoke on the importance of ecological surveys, encouraging students to contribute by documenting new flora and fauna in the cold desert of the Ladakh Himalayas.

Around 24 students were registered for the ecological survey which is likely to be held in September. Pertinently, Royal Enfield and Australian Himalayan foundation were the funding partners for the workshop.

The program concluded with a highlight of the unique flora and fauna of Zanskar and understanding the impact of climate change on the fragile ecosystem. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about preserving the unique biodiversity of Ladakh.