Conservation

'And you might awake one morning and find that nature is part of you, literally internal to your being. You would then treat nature as you would your lungs or kidneys. A spontaneous environmental ethic surges forth from your heart, and you will never again look at a river, a leaf, a deer, a robin, in the same way ' - Ken Wilber

The conservation of the environment is not possible without addressing the causes of its degradation. In the case of mountain areas, the very question of context gains more significance because of the variance in the geo-physical features of the region. This variance makes the situation peculiar and demands for an area-specific approach. However, before attempting to define these approaches it is also very important to take into recognition traditional practices which for ages have played a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance of a particular area.

More so in a case of areas inhabited by isolated tribal societies which have survived rather well for centuries, although they face perpetually harsh climatic and geographic conditions.

As part of our initiative to promote an attitude of safeguarding the integrity of the ecosystem and producing economic benefits that encourage preservation, it is imperative that conservation linkages are strengthened in order to ensure complimentary co-existence and long-term sustainability.

	As part of promoting our core philosophy of enabling culture and nature conservation, 5% of all income generated from the travel products is set aside for conservation-based activities.

Ecosphere Spiti and its partner organisations have been involved in various projects pertaining to nature and culture conservation in the Spiti valley. Some of the activities being undertaken and proposed to be developed in the future are:

• Plantations and Nursery Development
• Campsite Management
• Garbage Management
• Restoration of Dhangkar monastery - www.dhangkar.com
• Provisions of alternate safe drinking water facilities
• Cultural conservation through homestays (local architecture, cuisine, etc)
• Promotion of cultural programs to revive local songs, dances, dresses
• Handicraft revival and promotion
• Wildlife Insurance Schemes
• Improvements in Livestock Pens
• Grazing Reserves