Zanskar, July 19, 2026: WWF-India distributed solar flashlight for 41 Doxa families in two phases from Aksho, Abran, and Himilig villages under its Himalayan Brown Bear Conservation Project.
The initiative aims to strengthen community-based conservation efforts and reduce human–brown bear conflicts by improving safety for pastoral families during nighttime by improving their ability to guard livestock when bears are most active.
The programme was graced by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Phunchok Tashi, who distributed the solar flashlights to the beneficiary families. The event was attended by representatives of WWF-India, village Lambardars, Doxa families, and other community members.
The WWF-India team comprising Mohd Kazim (Project Officer), Preet Sharma (Senior Project Officer), and Manu Mohn (Senior Project Officer) emphasized the ecological importance of the Himalayan Brown Bear and highlighted the need for community-led conservation. The team also discussed practical conflict mitigation measures with the Doxa families, encouraging active participation to strengthen coexistence between people and wildlife across the landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Er. Phuntsog Tashi appreciated WWF-India’s conservation initiatives and emphasized the vital role of Doxa families in maintaining the health of Ladakh’s rangelands. He also highlighted the ecological significance of the Himalayan Brown Bear and stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence between local communities and wildlife. He encouraged continued collaboration among government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities to safeguard the region’s unique biodiversity.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion between WWF-India and the beneficiary families on strengthening conflict mitigation measures and promoting community-based conservation. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Himalayan Brown Bear while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for pastoral communities.
Through such initiatives, WWF-India continues to support community-based conservation approaches that promote harmony between humans and wildlife across the Himalayan landscape
