WWF-India operates from the field offices at Leh, Tsomoriri (at an altitude of 4595 m, it is probably the highest WWF Office in the entire WWF-Network) and Tsokar. Project related activities like the education and awareness programmes for various target groups (e.g. tourists, tour operators, school children, and local communities), liaison with the local Government authorities, field surveys, monitoring the breeding sites are carried out on a regular basis.

For the smooth functioning of the programme, and to achieve sustainable results, WWF India representatives ensure networking and capacity building involving the stakeholders like the local communities, educational institutions, tour operators and tour guides, NGOs, members of the Armed forces and Government departments.

The highlight achievements have been:

• Tsomoriri designated as Ramsar site in Nov. 2002.
• Tsomoriri been pledged as a ‘Sacred Gift to the Earth’ by the Korzok local community at WWF’s Annual Conference in Nepal.
• Scientific documentation on major wetlands of Ladakh complete.
• Regulation and restriction of camping sites around Tsomoriri in consultation with local community Vehicular traffic flow and parking streamlined at Tsomoriri.
• Regular garbage clean up campaigns with help of ITBP, tour operators and local population.
• Traditional and social fencing around wetlands eg. Korzok community voluntarily building a wall to protect breeding and feeding grounds from vehicular traffic.
• Formation of Tsomoriri Conservation Trust.
• Twenty WWF-India Nature Clubs registered in different schools in Ladakh Indian Army’s commitment and support to set up a Nature Interpretation Centre at 'Hall of Fame' , Leh.

The future plans are:

• Maintenance of existing field presence at Leh , Tsomoriri and Tsokar and increase presence at Chushul and Hanle marshes as well. Increased field presence to ensure better results
• Continue biological and socio-economic surveys around selected wetlands and document for future reference
• Capacity building workshops for Tour operators, Army, Teachers and local communities
• Regular education and Awareness Programmes for various target groups Management Planning for Tsomoriri, Tsokar and Pangong Tso involving major stakeholders using PRA
• Prepare Guidelines for introducing EcoTourism Certification Scheme in Ladakh
• Establishment of a Sustainable Tourism Model managed by Local Communities at Tsomoriri Plan
• Raise funds to carry out a comprehensive Strategic Environment Assessment for Ladakh
• Develop Environmental Management Systems, implement and certify the Environment Management Systems with special focus on tourism sector
• Collaborate with WWF NOs ( e.g. China) to raise funds for preparing an Ecoregion Action Plan for Tibetan Plateau Steppe a Priority WWF G200 site.

For Further information Please Contact:

Contact : Pankaj Chandan
WWF-India, Secretariat, Freshwater and Wetlands Conservation Programme,
172 - B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003, India
Tel: 91 11 24654889
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Leh Office

Hemis Complex, Zangsti Road, Leh 194101, Ladakh (J&K) India
Tel: 91 1982 251896
E mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.wwfindia.org

Non Governmental Organisations

1. Leh Nutrition Project (LNP)
2. The Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG)
3. Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL)
4. Child Welfare Society of Ladakh
5. LTO
6. Rural Development and you (RDY)
7. Ladakh Environment and Health Organisation (LEHO)
8. Ladakh Heart Foundation
9. Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC)
10. Save the Children
11. Women Alliance of Ladakh (WAL)
12. WWF-India
13. Snow Leopard Conservancy
14. Druk White Lotus School
15. Ladakh Nuns Association,

16.  SKARCHEN

17. Yuthog