Friday, March 29, 2024
 
 News Details
3-day climate change conference concludes in Leh
Leh, August 21 (Scoop News)- A three-day conference under the theme ‘Saving Himalayas through science and spirituality’ concluded here today.
The conference concluded with a field trip of participants to Khardung-la glacier to practically explain the impact of climate change on the lives of local communities in Ladakh.
The conference was organised by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) Leh with support from DLF Ltd., WWF-India, Defence Institute for High Altitude Research (DIHAR), HESCO and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA).
The first-ever international conference by Save the Himalayas Foundation started with a discussion session on the role of different agencies in the conservation of the Himalayas where in CEC, LAHDC Dorjey Mutup was the chief guest and Sulekha Kambhare, Member Minority Commission, Government of India was the guest of honour. A two minute silence was also observed for the departed soul of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the souls of people who lost their lives in Kerela flood to rest in peace.
Addressing the gathering, CEC expressed gaiety on having such international conference in Leh. He appreciated the organisers headed by Founder-President SHF, Ven Bhikku Sanghasena for selecting an apt theme to address the issues of climate change with emphasis on water crisis, renewable energy and sustainable and responsible tourism in Himalayas in general and Ladakh in particular. He emphasized on coming out with some declaration or action plan at the end of the conference to ensure a way forward in preservation of the Himalayas. He said that a road map will enable Hill Council to take it forward with state and centre governments to ensure their contribution in saving Himalayas not only for Ladakhis or others in the Himalayas but will benefit the entire world.
Making a mentioned about recent meeting with Sikkim Government and Navdania he said the LAHDC is putting all its effort in transforming Leh into a complete organic district and promotion of agriculture sector on priority. He said that research institutes like DIHAR, organisations like SHF, monasteries and army can play a significant role in combating climate change crises in Ladakh and strengthen sustainable land based economy through collaborative and coordinated efforts. He expressed great hopes for collaboration and cooperation from army with the deployment of first GOC, Leh sub area, Maj. Gen. Yash Mor and contribution of army in protection and conservation of fragile environment of Ladakh. He gave full assurance of support from Hill Council in taking forward the noble cause of this conference in future.
The conference was formally inaugurated by President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, Swami Chidanand Saraswati at CIBS Acharya Nagarjuna Auditorium yesterday. Renowned national and local spiritual leaders of different faith, social and political leaders, scholars, eminent personalities of Leh besides school principals and students were present on the occasion.
Chief Guest on the occasion Swami Chidanand Saraswati called Ven. Sanghasena international ambassador of Ladakh and appreciated his selfless efforts in serving humanity through his initiatives and services. He asserts that Himalaya is one of the greatest source of happiness and spirituality can teach people to give, care and share more. He stressed on the mantra of togetherness, oneness in keeping the seed of humanity alive. He made the entire hall to take pledge to work together with hand in hand for a common cause concerning not just humanity but the entire biodiversity and environment.
Ven. Sanghasena said that considering the rapid development and growing tourism causing environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, climate change and global warming issues compelled him to have a separate organization dedicated exclusively to preservation and promotion of the Himalayas. He added that SHF aims to make every possible effort to protect the environment and the local communities of the Himalayas, and support and promote indigenous, grassroots and innovative methods that would bring sustainable and equitable development in the region. He said that the objective of this conference is to highlight the three pressing issues of glacier melt and water crisis, developing solar energy and other renewable energy, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and chalk out possibilities to address these issues jointly on an international level.
The dignitaries who spoke in the occasion include Founder Himalayan Environment Social Conservation Organisation (HESCO) Dr Anil Joshi, Founder Divine Shakti Foundation Dr Sadhvi Bhagatwati Saraswati, Sulekha Kambhare, Member Minority Commission, Government of India, Founder Navdanya Dr. Vandana Shiva. Dr. Imam Umar Ahmed Iliyasi Chief Imam, All India Imam Organisation, Corps Commander, 14 Corps, Lt General SK Upadhay, GOC, Leh Sub Area, Major General Yash Mor and Swami Vishnupad from the Art of Living Foundation, who represented Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Keeping in view the tremendous value of Himalayas not only for the locals but also at the regional and international level a Ladakh Declaration was adopted by Save the Himalayas Foundation yesterday in which the experts at the International Conference on “Saving the Himalayas through Science and Spirituality” call upon everyone to take urgent and immediate steps for the conservation, protection, and restoration of the Himalayas. To achieve this, Save the Himalayas Foundation will take up various focused projects to address the issues of water availability and climate change by implementing projects on ground.
...
Share this Story
 
 
  Comment On this Story
 
 
 Back Issuesk Issues
If you are looking for Issues beyond today. You can simply use this calendar tool to view Issue of Scoop News for any particular Date.
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Scoop News, Jammu Kashmirr
Home || About Us || Advertise With Us || Disclaimer || Contact Us
Powered by Web Design Jammu