WWF-India has distributed solar flashlights to 41 Doxa families from the villages of Aksho, Abran and Himilig in two phases under its Himalayan Brown Bear Conservation Project.

The initiative aims to strengthen community-based conservation efforts and reduce human–brown bear conflict by enhancing the safety of pastoral families at night, enabling them to better guard their livestock during periods when brown bears are most active.

The distribution programme was attended by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Phunchok Tashi, who handed over the solar flashlights to the beneficiary families. Representatives of WWF-India, village Lambardars, Doxa families and local community members were also present.

The WWF-India team, comprising Mohd Kazim (Project Officer), Preet Sharma (Senior Project Officer) and Manu Mohn (Senior Project Officer), highlighted the ecological importance of the Himalayan Brown Bear and underscored the need for community-led conservation. The team also discussed practical measures to mitigate human–wildlife conflict and encouraged active participation from Doxa families to strengthen coexistence between people and wildlife.

Er. Phunchok Tashi appreciated WWF-India's conservation initiatives and acknowledged the vital role played by Doxa families in maintaining the health of Ladakh's rangelands. He stressed the ecological significance of the Himalayan Brown Bear and called for continued collaboration among government agencies, conservation organisations and local communities to protect the region's rich biodiversity while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for pastoralists.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion between WWF-India and the beneficiary families on further strengthening conflict mitigation measures and promoting community-based conservation. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Himalayan Brown Bear while fostering peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local communities.

Through such initiatives, WWF-India continues to promote community-driven conservation efforts that support harmony between humans and wildlife across the Himalayan landscape.