Govt. Model Degree College Zanskar, in collaboration with the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLCIT), hosted a day-long Environmental Education workshop titled "Exploring Biodiversity and Climate Change in Zanskar" on August 8.

Rigzin Yandol opened the workshop by introducing the key speakers and outlining the program's schedule. Mohd Ishaq, Principal of GMDC Zanskar, then delivered a welcome speech and a keynote address highlighting the urgent need for conservation and sustainable development in Ladakh, with a particular focus on Zanskar.

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

Dr. Tsewang Namgail, Director of SLCIT, gave an extensive presentation on Ladakh’s natural heritage, focusing on "Ladakh Geography and Climate." His talk covered a broad range of related topics, and he addressed numerous questions raised by students.

Jigmet Dadul, Senior Program Manager at SLCIT, followed with a presentation on "Large Herbivorous Mammals of Ladakh." He detailed various species, their distribution patterns, habitats, identification keys, and conservation strategies.

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

Kriti Chawan discussed the impact of climate change in Zanskar, focusing on glacier-induced lake formation and the associated risks of glacial lake outburst floods.

Dr. Tsewang Namgail concluded the workshop with a talk on the importance of ecological surveys, encouraging students to document new flora and fauna in the Ladakh Himalayas.

Around 24 students registered for an ecological survey scheduled for September. Royal Enfield and the Australian Himalayan Foundation were notable funding partners for the workshop.

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