A one-day brainstorming session titled "Enhancing Climate Change Resilience in the Himalayas: Integrating Biodiversity, Water Resources, Sustainable Tourism, and Livelihood" was held on September 19, marking a significant step towards addressing the pressing environmental challenges in the region.

The event featured a comprehensive presentation on climate change resilience in the Himalayas, outlining key challenges and proposing innovative solutions to mitigate these issues.

The session was attended by Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, as the Chief Guest, with Executive Councillor Stanzin Chosphel as the Guest of Honour. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Nameeta Prasad; Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, S.K. Mehta; Director of NIHE, Prof. Dr. Sunil Nautiyal; Sc-E of NIHE, Dr. Sandipan Mukherjee, and several other dignitaries also graced the event.

Joint Secretary Nameeta Prasad expressed her commitment to addressing Ladakh's environmental challenges. She emphasized, "While Ladakh contributes minimally to pollution, it is the actions of developed countries that impact your glaciers. As the CEC mentioned, we must work collaboratively to tackle these challenges." She also highlighted the importance of small, collective actions in the fight against climate change, lauding Ladakh’s reverse migration initiatives and reiterating her dedication to addressing Environmental Public Responsibility (EPR) issues in the region.

Executive Councillor for Agriculture, Stanzin Chosphel, advocated for enhancing the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), emphasizing the need for stronger research and development efforts to support sustainable agricultural practices and effectively address environmental challenges in Ladakh.

CEC Tashi Gyalson expressed his gratitude to all participants, underscoring the importance of collaboration among government entities, NGOs, and local communities to combat the impacts of climate change. He highlighted the urgency of taking timely action, particularly in response to the melting glaciers and their effects on local livelihoods.

CEC Gyalson also emphasized the need for financial independence and autonomous bodies to manage and promote sustainable initiatives. He discussed several green initiatives led by LAHDC, including the Climate Cup, geothermal energy projects, and advancements in electric transportation. These initiatives reflect the region's commitment to an eco-friendly future and sustainable practices.

The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in enhancing Ladakh’s climate resilience. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment demonstrated during the session highlight the determination to create a sustainable future for the region.