The High-Altitude Environment and Education Alliance (HEAL) Ladakh, in partnership with the University of Ladakh, organised an awareness program titled "Ladakh’s Biodiversity at Risk" on November 4 at the Kargil Campus of the University of Ladakh.

The event featured Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Mohammad Hanifa Jan, as the chief guest, and Executive Councilor for Rural Development, Cooperatives, Forest & Wildlife, and Information, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Punchok Tashi, as the guest of honor. Additional attendees included Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration at the University of Ladakh; HEAL-Ladakh Director, Iftikhar Hussain; WWF Assistant Project Officer, Mohd Kazim; and professors and assistant professors from the university.

In his address, MP Hanifa Jan expressed pride in participating in an event focused on Ladakh’s biodiversity, commending HEAL and WWF volunteers for their significant conservation efforts. He acknowledged the dedication of Iftikhar Hussain, Director of HEAL, for his commitment to preserving Ladakh’s environment, noting that Hussain had declined international opportunities to work locally in conservation and research.

The MP assured the academic and intellectual community of his support, highlighting that their insights would be considered in national planning and Ladakh’s development.
Guest of honor EC Er. Punchok Tashi praised HEAL's Director for his dedication to ecological awareness and conservation. He encouraged scholars, intellectuals, and community stakeholders to join forces in protecting Ladakh's environment, offering LAHDC Kargil’s support for meaningful contributions and solutions to these issues.

Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director of HEAL, presented HEAL’s efforts and the Wildlife Conservation Action Plan for Kargil, focusing on target species like the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Brown Bear. He discussed major threats to biodiversity, including habitat encroachment and degradation, and outlined strategies to address these challenges. Dr. Hussain concluded with a call to action, inviting communities and stakeholders to collaborate with HEAL in protecting Ladakh’s unique ecosystem.

The program concluded with the distribution of awards and mementos, with the chief guest and guest of honor presenting tokens of appreciation to participants for their contributions to biodiversity conservation.