Learning, Collaboration, and Sustainability in the Himalayan Landscapes

By Western Himalaya Vikalp Sangam onJan. 13, 2025in Economics and Technologies

The annual gathering, a key event for WHVS in 2024-2025, took place from October 27 to 30 at SAGG Eco Village in Kashmir. Initially planned during the Core Group Meeting in Delhi in March 2024, the event was co-hosted by the MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center and the School of Rural Development and Environment. It brought together 35 participants from the Western Himalayas and other regions of India, representing nearly 25 organisations focused on ecological regeneration, sustainable livelihoods, climate action, and community well-being. The gathering’s core objectives were to foster knowledge sharing, enhance collaboration, and promote ecological awareness and cultural exchange.

Through discussions on sustainability and community development, participants explored solutions to regional challenges such as land laws, lack of dignified livelihoods, and overtourism. A highlight of the event was the introduction of the “Flower of Transformation,” a framework developed through the Vikalp Sangam process, which helped evaluate initiatives across key areas like ecological integrity and social well-being.

The event also featured an inspiring session with renowned Kashmiri poet Zareef Ahmad Zareef, as well as a field visit to Wular Lake to learn about local challenges and successes in ecological and community efforts. The gathering laid the foundation for future collaborations and initiatives aimed at sustainable transformation across the region.

Read the full report here.

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