The Ladakh Restoration Visioning Exercise 2025 was held from June 2 to 4 at Hotel Deskitsal, Leh, bringing together over 80 participants representing a diverse range of stakeholders to co-create a shared and actionable vision for the ecological restoration of Ladakh’s unique and fragile landscapes.

The three-day event was organised by the Nature Conservation Foundation, in collaboration with the Ecological Restoration Alliance and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh. Participants included representatives from local communities, scientists, conservationists, policymakers, youth leaders, and eco-tourism stakeholders.

The program featured a series of expert talks addressing the pressing ecological challenges and restoration opportunities in Ladakh. A key highlight was an interactive group mapping activity, where participants identified core challenges and future opportunities in landscape restoration. More than 20 organisations, institutions, and government departments, along with enthusiastic youth from across Ladakh, engaged in these sessions. The exercise not only reflected current issues but also spurred innovative and forward-looking ideas to guide restoration efforts.

To deepen understanding of local ecological realities, participants undertook a field visit to Changthang on the second day. The immersive experience offered insights into the intricate relationship between Ladakh’s communities and their environment, reinforcing the need for culturally informed and ecologically sound restoration practices.

The event concluded with a strong consensus on the need for sustained collaboration. It marked a significant step toward the development of a comprehensive Vision Document for Landscape Restoration in Ladakh—a guiding framework that will support policymakers and stakeholders in shaping future ecological restoration interventions across the region.