Envisioning Zanskar Summit 2026 Concludes with a Vision for a Sustainable Future
10/07/2026
Zanskar, July 09 (KIP)-The three-day Envisioning Zanskar Summit 2026 concluded today on a high note with a series of insightful lectures, engaging panel discussions, and a valedictory session that reaffirmed the collective commitment towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Zanskar. The summit brought together academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development practitioners, environmental experts, civil society members, students, and local stakeholders to deliberate on key issues shaping the future of the region.
The third day's proceedings commenced with an enlightening session by Ms. Sonali, who delivered an online lecture on women's health, menstrual hygiene, and women empowerment. She introduced the audience to Bionap, an eco-friendly sanitary pad initiative aimed at promoting safe and affordable menstrual hygiene. Explaining the unique features and environmental benefits of Bionap sanitary pads, she highlighted their growing acceptance across communities.
This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Kanika Dihani, who shared the inspiring journey Acheley Block Printing in Leh. She elaborated on the enterprise's work in sustainable cloth production, livelihood generation, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Her presentation highlighted how locally driven enterprises can simultaneously preserve traditional skills, create employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
The academic deliberations began with the first panel discussion on the theme "Zanskar at a Crossroads: Balancing Development and Environmental Sustainability," moderated by Dr. Mohd Salim, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Government Degree College Zanskar. The panel featured Dr. Tsewang Namgyal and Mr. Lobzang Namtak as distinguished speakers.
The discussion focused on the urgent need to reconcile developmental aspirations with ecological conservation in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The panelists emphasized the importance of sustainable water resource management, conservation of biodiversity, and responsible utilization of natural resources. They highlighted the growing pressures posed by climate change, unplanned developmental activities, increasing tourism, and other anthropogenic interventions on the region's unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where participants actively engaged with the experts on practical strategies for sustainable development in Zanskar.
The second panel discussion, themed "Entrepreneurship Rooted in Culture and Nature: A Path for Ladakh's Future," was moderated by Dr. Jigmet Zazay, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Government Degree College Zanskar. The panel comprised Ms. Rinchen Angmo, Mr. Thinles Norbu, Mr. Tsetan Dorjey, and Ms. Diskit Angmo, all of whom are actively contributing to entrepreneurship in Ladakh.
The panelists discussed how entrepreneurship rooted in local culture, indigenous knowledge, and natural resources can become a powerful driver of sustainable development. They shared their personal entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges they encountered, and the opportunities emerging in sectors such as eco-tourism, handicrafts, sustainable agriculture, local food processing, and creative industries. Stressing the importance of innovation while preserving cultural identity, they encouraged the youth of Zanskar to become job creators by developing enterprises that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially inclusive.
The third panel discussion, titled "Zanskar in Transition: Building a Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Model," was moderated by Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi, Principal, Government Degree College Zanskar. The panelists included Ms. Rigzin Wangmo, Mr. Lhundup Dorje, and Mr. Tenzin Mutup.
The discussion explored the rapidly growing tourism sector in Zanskar and underscored the need for a tourism model that balances economic opportunities with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. The speakers emphasized community-based tourism, responsible visitor behaviour, improved waste management, conservation of cultural heritage, and equitable distribution of tourism benefits among local communities. They stressed that sustainable tourism should ensure meaningful participation of local residents while safeguarding the ecological integrity and cultural richness of the region for future generations. The session concluded with an engaging interaction between the panelists and participants.
The fourth and final panel discussion of the summit was organised on the theme "Zero Waste Future: Sustainable Solutions for Zanskar and Ladakh," moderated by Dr. Mohd Salim, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Government Degree College Zanskar. The panel featured Mr. Eshey Tondup (Director, LEDeG), Mr. Mipham Jigmet, and Dr. Tsering Konchok.
The experts deliberated on practical strategies for reducing waste generation and promoting environmentally sustainable lifestyles in the Himalayan region. They discussed the importance of waste segregation, recycling, circular economy principles, community awareness, sustainable consumption, and institutional support for achieving a zero-waste future. The panelists emphasized that environmental conservation must remain central to all developmental initiatives and called for collective action by government agencies, educational institutions, civil society, and local communities.
Following the session, all panelists were felicitated with traditional Khataks and commemorative souvenirs in recognition of their valuable contributions.
The summit also featured an inspiring lecture by Mr. Tashi Chosgon on "Digital Responsibility: Empowering Ethical Content Creators." He emphasized the growing role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and encouraged young people to use social media responsibly by promoting authentic, ethical, and constructive content that positively represents the culture, heritage, and aspirations of Zanskar.
The valedictory session was graced by the presence of Shri Rigzin Sandup, (JKPS), SP Zanskar. In his address Shri Sandup appreciated the dedicated efforts of the All Zanskar Students' Union and Government Degree College Zanskar for successfully organising a multidisciplinary summit addressing a wide range of developmental issues. He observed that bringing together experts from diverse fields for meaningful dialogue was a challenging task, yet the organisers successfully created a unique platform for collaborative thinking and knowledge sharing. He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for building an environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically prosperous future for Zanskar.
The three days summit was successfully culminated with meaningful deliberations, collaborative dialogue, and visionary discussions. All students and stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the programe were also felicitated with traditional khataks. The event reaffirmed the collective resolve of all stakeholders to work together towards achieving sustainable development while preserving the ecological integrity, cultural heritage, and unique identity of Zanskar for generations to come.