Kargil: A unique and impactful 10-day Nature Guide Training Programme, organised by the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust with support from Royal Enfield, concluded today in Kargil with a heartfelt ceremony attended by dignitaries, environmental enthusiasts, and young trainees.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, who presided over the closing ceremony, lauded the efforts of Muzammil Hussain, Founder of the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust, for his silent but significant contributions to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism in Ladakh.
Speaking to the gathering, ADC Kacho emphasized the importance of nurturing coexistence between humans and wildlife, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like Kargil. “There’s an urgent need to train and empower nature guides who can lead the way in conservation while unlocking Kargil’s unexplored natural treasures,” he said.
He also encouraged trainees to collaborate with creative professionals—filmmakers, photographers, and journalists—to tell Ladakh’s unique ecological stories and inspire conservation through compelling narratives.
The event was graced by LAHDC Councillors Abdul Wahid (Lower Drass) and Abdul Samad (Upper Drass), Assistant Director Tourism Mohd Ali Tak, and noted historian and author Ajaz Hussain Munshi, who was felicitated for his outstanding work in preserving Kargil’s cultural and historical legacy.
Tourism officer Mohd Ali Tak urged participants to make use of the various government schemes for tourism entrepreneurship, while also appreciating the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust’s proactive initiatives in bridging conservation with local livelihoods.
Founder Muzammil Hussain shared insights into the Trust’s efforts in mitigating human-bear conflict and fostering a future where eco-tourism and conservation go hand in hand. He expressed hope that the training would serve as a stepping stone for the youth to explore careers as certified Nature Guides.
Councillors Abdul Wahid and Abdul Samad praised the initiative and urged for more such capacity-building programmes in the Drass region, where brown bear sightings and human-wildlife interaction are common.
The event concluded with trainees sharing their transformative experiences and receiving certificates and guide kits from the dignitaries. The programme was anchored by Sajjad Hussain Bob, who ensured a smooth and engaging flow of proceedings.
With growing interest in eco-conscious tourism, this training marks a vital step in creating a generation of skilled nature guides who can champion Ladakh’s rich biodiversity while boosting sustainable livelihoods.
