To preserve ecology, Army, Ladakh Forest Dept sign MoU

The Army’s Fire and Fury Corps and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Ladakh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to preserve the fragile ecology and conserve majestic species, according to a statement.

The Army said on Tuesday that a historic step towards wildlife conservation was taken today — World Wildlife Day — as the Fire and Fury Corps and the Forest, Department signed an MoU to preserve the ecology and conserve majestic species like the snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, bharal, ibex, marmot, black-necked crane and their habitats under the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Forum (GSLEP).

Officials said the MoU was signed in the presence of Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary, Ladakh.

According to the Army, the MoU aims to promote sustainable development and environment protection in the high-altitude ecosystems of Ladakh, reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving Ladakh’s rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystem for future generations.

A joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell would monitor conservation efforts, furthering the goals of conserving the species and this partnership sets a unique framework towards developing eco-friendly practices, the Army said on Tuesday.

The Indian Army “has always been committed to sustainable development and nature conservation, balancing sometimes competing needs of safeguarding our borders and protecting the local flora and fauna,” the statement said.