Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust


The Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust is a non-profit conservation organization for the protection of snow leopards, 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

SLC-IT has been active at the community level and prioritizes Community-based conservation who share the resources with snow leopard and other mountain wildlife on a daily basis.

Environmental education

The conservancy produces educational materials highlighting biodiversity and conservation issues in Ladakh. Partnering with Kalpavriksh, a Pune-based organization, in bringing up the Ri Gyancha, a biodiversity resource kit for Ladakh, which has been used by both children and educators. Teacher training is an integral part of their educational initiatives, which also extend to providing education and training for graduate students and adults.

Awards and recognition

2004 – First Choice Responsible Tourism Award at the World Travel Market2005 – Global Vision Award for Community Outreach2008 – Finalists in the Geo-tourism Challenge by National Geographic's Centre for Sustainable Destinations and Ashoka Changemakers2013 – Favorite Responsible Tourism Initiative Award by 2015 – Earth Guardian Award by the Royal Bank of Scotland2016 – IRTA-Gold in Best Contribution to Wildlife Conservation2016 – IRTA-Overall Winner2018 – Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award2018 – TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Award