WWF-India Distributes Mitigation Measures to 23 Pastoral Households at Phulak village
Diplomat Correspondent
Leh,DD, Taking a decisive step toward easing human–wildlife conflict in Ladakh’s fragile high-altitude rangelands, WWF-India under the Darwin Initiative distributed flashlights to 23 pastoral households in Phulak Village, Kungyam constituency. The beneficiary families – primarily yak herders – welcomed the support as an essential safeguard against nocturnal predation.
The distribution ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Councillor, Mr. Thinles Nurboo, who praised the community’s resilience and reiterated the Administration’s commitment to conservation-linked livelihoods. Community elders, women, and youth turned out in strength, underscoring Phulak’s unified approach to living in harmony with local wildlife.
This milestone capped an extensive pre-assessment covering multiple villages in the Durbuk and Nyoma sub-divisions, ensuring that mitigation tools reached the most impacted families and contributed directly to reducing nighttime predation incidents by large carnivores.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Rigzin Dawa, Senior Programme Officer, WWF-India, highlighted the importance of community-centred conservation and applauded local governance structures and pastoralists for their pivotal role in implementing nature-based solutions.
WWF-India’s continuing efforts in Changthang focus on practical, low-cost measures that empower frontline stewards of Ladakh’s unique biodiversity while strengthening livelihoods.DD