Archive · 25 Aug 2026
UNDP, Ladakh Renew Biodiversity Partnership for Himalayan Conservation
The United Nations Development Programme and Ladakh officials agreed to keep working together to protect nature.
They discussed animals that live in the high mountains, including snow leopards and black-necked cranes.
An earlier project helped India complete its first national count of snow leopards.
It also helped Yaya Tso and Hanle receive international recognition as important wetlands.
A new project called PEACE+ will support snow leopard protection in Hemis and Nubra.
The project is worth USD 3 million.
Local volunteers are also helping protect black-necked crane nests and young birds.
The groups plan to continue working on conservation, climate action and livelihoods for local communities.
UNDP India and the Ladakh administration reaffirmed cooperation on biodiversity, climate action and sustainable livelihoods.
The discussions covered high-altitude wildlife conservation and Ladakh’s wider development priorities.
The SECURE Himalaya project supported India’s first national snow leopard population assessment.
The project helped secure international wetland recognition for Ladakh’s Yaya Tso and Hanle.
A new USD 3 million PEACE+ initiative will protect snow leopard landscapes in Hemis and Nubra, while community volunteers help safeguard black-necked crane nests.
- Who
- UNDP India representatives, including Angela Lusigi, met Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.
- What
- They reaffirmed cooperation on biodiversity conservation, high-altitude wildlife, climate action and sustainable livelihoods.
- When
- The meeting took place around August 25, alongside the recent Black-necked Crane Festival.
- Where
- Leh, Ladakh, India.
- Why
- The discussions aimed to strengthen wildlife conservation cooperation and support Ladakh’s broader development priorities.
- Partnership
- UNDP India and the Ladakh administration will continue cooperating on conservation, sustainable livelihoods and climate action.
- SECURE Himalaya
- The project supported India’s first national snow leopard population assessment.
- Wetlands
- Yaya Tso and Hanle in Ladakh received international recognition as wetlands of international importance.
- PEACE+ funding
- The initiative is valued at USD 3 million and involves the Global Environment Facility and International Big Cat Alliance.
- PEACE+ focus
- The initiative aims to secure snow leopard landscapes across Hemis and Nubra.
- Black-necked cranes
- The Nest Watcher Programme uses local volunteers to protect nests and younglings from threats.