Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, attended the launch of the Changthang Visioning Report, titled “Vision from the Highlands: Building a Shared Future for Rangelands, Wildlife and Communities,” at The Grand Dragon, Leh, on October 8.

The event brought together representatives from the administration, LAHDC Leh, WWF-India, conservation and academic institutions, pastoral communities, youth and women’s groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on a shared and sustainable future for the Changthang landscape.

The launch was graced by His Eminence Palga Rinpoche and Tashi Gyalson, former Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh. Senior representatives from the Wildlife, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry departments, the Changthang district administration and other concerned institutions also participated in the programme.

Representing WWF-India, Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO; Jamshyd N. Godrej, Trustee; and Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director, attended the launch along with members of the organisation’s Western Himalayas team.

The visioning process brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss the interconnected future of rangelands, wildlife, pastoral livelihoods, cultural traditions and community well-being in Changthang. Pastoral representatives, Gobas, women’s groups, youth organisations, community leaders and local institutions shared their experiences, traditional knowledge, concerns and aspirations, highlighting the importance of community participation in shaping the future of the landscape.

The programme also saw the participation of Konchok Stanzin, former Executive Councillor and Councillor from Chushul, along with representatives from the University of Ladakh, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Snow Leopard Conservancy–India Trust, Himotthan, NABARD and other partner organisations. Religious leaders associated with monasteries across Changthang also attended the event.

The report seeks to promote an integrated approach to conservation and livelihoods, recognising the ecological, cultural and socio-economic significance of Changthang’s high-altitude rangelands. Its launch marks an important milestone in WWF-India’s Western Himalayas Conservation Programme and provides a platform for strengthening partnerships, advancing practical action and promoting long-term stewardship of the landscape.

The launch assumes added significance as 2026 is being observed as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of rangelands and the vital role of pastoral communities in sustaining them across generations.

The Changthang Visioning Report aims to provide a shared direction for the future of the region, placing healthy rangelands, thriving wildlife and resilient pastoral communities at the centre of long-term conservation and sustainable development.