Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust
- Ladakh
- Mr. David Sonam (Managing Trustee)
- Mr. Renzino Lepcha (Trustee)
- Ms. Rigzin Dolma (Trustee)
- Late Mr. Rinchen Wangchuk (co-founder)
- Dr. Rodney Jackson (co-founder)
- Dr. Tsewang Namgail (Director)
The Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLC-IT) is a non-profit cat conservation organization for the protection of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), its prey species, and its habitat in Ladakh, India. The trust primarily focuses on the Indian range of the snow leopard. Apart from conservation and ecological research on the snow leopard, the SLC-IT initiated the Himalayan Homestay Program in 2003.
History
The Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust was formed in 2000 as the Indian branch of the Snow Leopard Conservancy. It became an independent organization of India in 2003.
Community-based conservation
Community-based conservation is prioritized because the organization's efforts necessitate the support of the local people who share resources with the snow leopard and other mountain wildlife on a daily basis.[1] Thus, SLC-IT has been active at the community level, enhancing living conditions to ensure that local residents join the conservation effort.
Environmental education
Environmental education through training and awareness is a major component of SLC-IT's conservation model. The conservancy produces educational materials highlighting biodiversity and conservation issues in Ladakh. The organization partnered with Kalpavriksh, a Pune-based organization, in bringing up the Ri Gyancha (jewels of the mountains),[2] a biodiversity resource kit for Ladakh, which has been used by both children and educators. Teacher education forms a significant component of their educational programs. They also provide education and training to both graduate students and adults.
Awards and recognition
- 2004 – First Choice Responsible Tourism Award at the World Travel Market
- 2005 – Global Vision Award for Community Outreach
- 2008 – Finalists in the Geo-tourism Challenge by National Geographic's Centre for Sustainable Destinations and Ashoka Changemakers
- 2013 – Favorite Responsible Tourism Initiative Award by Outlook Traveller
- 2015 – Earth Guardian Award by the Royal Bank of Scotland
- 2016 – IRTA-Gold in Best Contribution to Wildlife Conservation[3]
- 2016 – IRTA-Overall Winner[3]
- 2018 – Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award
- 2018 – TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Award
References
External links
- SLC-IT official website
- Himalayan Homestays website