Leh, Sept 19: A high-level brainstorming session, titled “Enhancing Climate Change Resilience in the Himalaya: Integrating Biodiversity, Water Resources, Sustainable Tourism, and Livelihood,” was held here today. Organized by the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE)- Ladakh Regional Centre, the event brought together experts, policymakers, and local leaders to discuss strategies for improving climate resilience in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
CEC and Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Adv Tashi Gyalson was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony whereas Executive Councillor (Agriculture) LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel was the guest of honour. The event was presided over by Ms Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt of India. Prof S.K Mehta, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh (UoL) was the special guest on the occasion.
The session opened with an inaugural speech by Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Nautiyal, Director of NIHE, who underlined the institute’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges in the Himalayas. Dr. I.D. Bhatt from NIHE set the stage by emphasizing the need to integrate biodiversity conservation, water resource management, sustainable tourism, and livelihood improvement in tackling climate change.
The chief guest, in his address, emphasized on the strong community involvement in climate adaptation projects. He expressed gratitude to the PM Modi led government at Centre for granting UT status to Ladakh which enhanced the potential of the region in attaining self-sustainability and autonomous decision making in neutralising the effects of climate change. He mentioned that Ladakh region was a sufferer of ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’ phenomenon. He also dwelt upon various efforts being made by LAHDC Leh in tackling the climate related hazards.
Prof. S.K. Mehta also shared insights on resilience strategies, and highlighted the need to synergise the efforts among all the research institutes to qualitatively evolve strategies to tackle the concerns related to environment. He also dwelt upon the research facilities and related infrastructure upgraded in UoL.
Ms. Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), delivered presidential remarks, emphasizing the importance of national-level climate policies and their application in local contexts. She assured the local stakeholders of addressing their concerns through the policy making process in the ministry at her level. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sandipan Mukherjee, Head GB Pant NIHE-LRC.
Dr. Navin Juyal, former scientist at NPL Ahmedabad was the key speaker in the first panel discussion on “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Water Resources and Biodiversity”. It was chaired by Dr. O.P. Chaurasia, Director of DIHAR, with Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, as co-chair. This session featured key speakers including Dr. M. Deen, IAS (Retd); Dr. Ishey Namgyal, President, BMC, Leh; Jigmet Takpa, IFS (Retd), Dr. Sonam Lotus, Head IMD, Leh; Dr. Maheshwar Singh, Head, RRS-CAZRI; and Rohit Rattan, WWF India, Leh.
Prof. S.P. Sati, Vice Chancellor of VCSG Uttarakhand was the key speaker in the second panel discussion which was focused on “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Livelihood and Sustainable Tourism.” It was chaired by Jigmet Takpa and co-chaired by Dr. Mohd Deen. This session discussed ways to align climate action with sustainable tourism, emphasizing the development of Ladakh’s local economy.
Both the key speakers stressed the urgency of addressing climate impacts in the Himalayan region. The event highlighted the need for cross-sectoral collaboration and community engagement to mitigate the effects of climate change. They also called for enhanced cooperation between local communities and environmental organizations to protect the region’s biodiversity.
Key figures in the environmental sector discussed the “Way Forward” for climate resilience in the closing panel.
Dr. Purushottam Kumar Garg of NIHE offered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants. The event concluded with a communal lunch, fostering further collaboration opportunities.
This session marks a pivotal moment in advancing the region’s climate resilience, as the NIHE continues its mission to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the Himalayas.
