WORLD WILDLIFE DAY: Indian Army, Forest Department sign MoU for wildlife conservation in Ladakh

Leh, Mar 3: A historic step towards wildlife conservation was taken Tuesday on World Wildlife Day, as the Fire & Fury Corps, Indian Army, and the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, UT Ladakh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to preserve the fragile ecology and conserve majestic species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal, Ibex, Marmot, Black-necked Crane and their habitats under the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Forum (GSLEP).

The MOU, as per an official statement, was signed in the presence of Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, UYSM, SC, SM, VSM, GOC, Fire & Fury Corps and Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh.

The MOU aims to promote sustainable development and environment protection in the high-altitude ecosystems of Ladakh, reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving Ladakh’s rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystem for future generations.

Indian Army has always been committed to sustainable development and nature conservation balancing sometimes competing needs of safeguarding our borders and protecting the local flora and fauna. A joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell will monitor conservation efforts, furthering the goals of conserving the species. This partnership sets a unique framework towards developing eco-friendly practices.