Securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems 

The SECURE Himalaya project is a part of “Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development” (Global Wildlife Program) funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The project promotes sustainable management of alpine pastures and forests in the high range Himalayan ecosystems to secure conservation of globally significant wildlife, including endangered snow leopard and their habitats to ensure sustainable livelihoods and socio-economic benefits for communities in the selected high altitude landscapes in the Trans- and Greater Himalayan regions.

It contributes to the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), a joint initiative of 12 range country governments, international agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

Key Components 

• Conservation of key biodiversity areas and their effective management to secure long-term ecosystem resilience, habitat connectivity and conservation of snow leopard and other endangered species and their habitats
• Securing sustainable community livelihoods and natural resource management in high range Himalayan ecosystems
• Enhancing enforcement, monitoring and cooperation to reduce wildlife crime and related threats
• Knowledge, advocacy, communication and information systems established

Achievments

• Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) launched for accurate estimate the Snow Leopard population;
• Trained 2,000 frontline forest staff and community members in monitoring of wild habitats;
• Augmented skills of 1,000 women and youth in areas like adventure and nature-based tourism;
• Inspiring innovation and youth participation through SECURE Himalaya Hackathon to develop technology-based solutions for conservation;
• Developed a Virtual Reality experience to highlight the importance of snow leopards among the general public and encourage policy initiatives aimed at conservation of the critically endangered species.