In a bid to secure a sustainable future for the Union Territory through education, Mission Khoryug has been working towards building conservation leadership among school students under five themes: biodiversity, water, waste, food, and energy. WWF-India, in collaboration with the Department of School Education, Ladakh, has partnered with Mission Khoryug to engage school children in conservation actions, aiming to create a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.

Following the inaugural year of Mission Khoryug, WWF-India honored ten schools at the LG’s Mission Khoryug Awards ceremony on June 19.

Five schools were recognised for their exceptional contributions to greening their schools and communities, and five Green Cabinets—student committees leading environmental initiatives at their schools—were honored for their active and effective participation in environmental projects. The ceremony highlighted the efforts of schools and Green Cabinets across Ladakh in advancing environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary (School Education/Housing and Urban Development/Industries and Commerce), Sanjeev Khirwar; Chief Education Officer, Leh, Sonam Angchuk; and Principal of DIET, Leh, Deldan Angmo. Their presence underscored the importance of environmental conservation and the pivotal role of youth in this endeavor.

Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar emphasized the reality of climate change and the need for collective sustainable action. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness and fostering environmental preservation within communities. Educational institutions are shifting their focus from academics to community engagement, and in Ladakh's close-knit community, instilling environmental values through activities is more feasible. With rising tourism, understanding sustainable practices is crucial to protect the region for future generations. Teaching young children the importance of sustainability is essential.

Sanjeev Khirwar also launched the next chapter of Mission Khoryug in UT Ladakh for all government schools. The Mission Khoryug movement incorporates practical ideas and activities that help students build their knowledge about the environment, connect with nature, and develop the values and skills needed to make their schools and communities greener.

Mission Khoryug was launched in Ladakh in May 2023, following an MoU signed between WWF-India and the Department of School Education, Ladakh. In its first year, 151 government schools were registered under Mission Khoryug to create green schools and green communities in the UT.

Earlier in 2023, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd.), announced the LG’s Mission Khoryug Awards. He stated, “The younger generation needs to be aware of their state’s biodiversity, environment, and natural resources. The Government has been proactive in environmental protection and has taken up many initiatives. The award for green schools and students will encourage and motivate the younger generation toward a greener Ladakh.”