Ladakh University hosts consultation on ecology and livelihoods in Trans-Himalayan drylands

Experts call for region-specific research, climate resilience and community-led approaches to ecological and developmental challenges

LEH: The University of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), Pune, WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies and ICARS, IIT Roorkee, organised a one-day Regional Consultation on the Trans-Himalayan Drylands at the University’s Leh Campus on September 28, bringing together researchers, academicians, experts and other stakeholders to deliberate on the region’s ecological and developmental challenges.

The consultation focused on the need for region-specific scientific knowledge, climate resilience, water management, biodiversity conservation and community-driven approaches to address the vulnerabilities of Trans-Himalayan dryland ecosystems.

The inaugural session was attended by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, as the Chief Guest, while Dr Anil Kumar Gupta, Professor, IIT Roorkee, and Jigmet Takpa, IFS, former Chief Wildlife Warden, Ladakh, attended as Guests of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kushwaha stressed the need to generate knowledge specific to the Trans-Himalayan region and strengthen collaboration among universities, research institutions, government agencies and local communities.

He emphasised the importance of linking scientific research with local knowledge and practical interventions to support sustainable development in Ladakh.

Dr Gupta highlighted the role of scientific assessment, climate resilience and water management in addressing the vulnerabilities of mountain and dryland ecosystems. He also called for interdisciplinary research and institutional collaboration to develop sustainable responses to the challenges facing the region.

Takpa made a detailed presentation on the ecological characteristics, biodiversity, environmental challenges and conservation concerns of the Trans-Himalayan drylands.

His presentation covered the region’s fragile ecosystems, wildlife and natural-resource management, while stressing the need to strengthen conservation-based approaches.

The consultation continued through the day with technical presentations, thematic discussions and interactive sessions. The sessions were moderated and facilitated by Dr Imran, Fatima, Dr Vijay and Sharanya, representing the collaborating institutions, WOTR and IIT Roorkee.

Faculty members, researchers, academicians, experts, practitioners, students and other stakeholders participated in the consultation and shared their perspectives and field experiences on issues concerning the Trans-Himalayan drylands.

The discussions brought together local observations, scientific perspectives and community-level experiences, providing participants with an opportunity to examine the complex socio-ecological systems of the Trans-Himalayan region from different viewpoints.

The consultation also underlined the need for locally appropriate, scientifically informed and community-driven strategies to strengthen ecological resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods in Ladakh and other Trans-Himalayan dryland areas.

The deliberations identified potential areas for collaborative research, capacity building, knowledge exchange and field-based interventions, providing a basis for further engagement among the participating institutions and stakeholders.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Konchok Dorjey, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, experts, collaborating institutions, resource persons, participants and the organising team for their contributions to the consultation.