News & Announcement
"Khangchendzonga honey" launch in Yuksam
Gyalshing, May 31(IPR): In a step towards sustainable livelihoods and conservation of wildlife, "Khangchendzonga Honey" was launched in Yuksam. This initiative is part of the snow leopard conservation project by WWF-India with support from WWF-UK, in collaboration with the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC). The initiative aims to reduce dependency on forest resources and improve livelihoods for farmers and communities residing near Khangchendzonga National Park and Snow Leopard habitat fringe villages.
The launch ceremony held at KCC head office Yuksam today was graced by Mr Yogen Syangden SDM Yuksam as Chief guest. He was accompanied by Mr Ongdi Sherpa BDO Yuksam,Ms Sunita Limboo Panchayat President, Ms Tshering Uden Bhutia President KCC,Ms Lak Tsheden Theengh Landscape Coordinator (WWF-India),Ms Rupa Chettri Assistant Field Officer, Mr Kinzong Sherap Bhutia Board Member KCC, Panchayat members, local stakeholders and large number of farmers.
The initiative aims to provide alternative income sources for farmers residing near Khangchendzonga National Park, Snow Leopard habitat fringe villages by training them in apiary practices. Farmers from villages close to Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) have been trained in beekeeping over the past two years under this initiative and producing organic honey. The locally produced organic honey is collected by KCC, packaged, and then supplied to the market as "Khangchendzonga Honey." This initiative is part of WWF-India's efforts to support sustainable livelihoods, reduce dependency on local ecosystems, and garner community support for snow leopard conservation initiative.
Ms. Lak Tsheden Theengh,highlighted the dual objective of the initiative, ensuring the financial well-being of local communities and securing their support for the conservation of snow leopards and other local flora and fauna. "WWF-India actively works with villagers on various issues, including sustainable livelihoods. The aim is to reduce dependency on local ecosystems while promoting conservation," she stated. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the local tourism industry, which many villagers depended on for their livelihood. In response, WWF-India identified beekeeping as a viable alternative, providing necessary training and support to local farmers. By imparting training in apiary practices, the project aims to equip farmers with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings, she said.
SDM Yuksam in his brief address, hailed the initiative of WWF-India. "In embracing apiary as a means of sustainable livelihood, we not only safeguard our natural heritage but also empower our communities to thrive," he affirmed. The SDM assured full cooperation in marketing and promotional activities for "Khangchendzonga Honey" and encouraged farmers to pursue beekeeping professionally.
KCC, is a registered community-based nonprofit organization active since 1997, continues to play a pivotal role in conservation and community development in the region.
The launch ceremony held at KCC head office Yuksam today was graced by Mr Yogen Syangden SDM Yuksam as Chief guest. He was accompanied by Mr Ongdi Sherpa BDO Yuksam,Ms Sunita Limboo Panchayat President, Ms Tshering Uden Bhutia President KCC,Ms Lak Tsheden Theengh Landscape Coordinator (WWF-India),Ms Rupa Chettri Assistant Field Officer, Mr Kinzong Sherap Bhutia Board Member KCC, Panchayat members, local stakeholders and large number of farmers.
The initiative aims to provide alternative income sources for farmers residing near Khangchendzonga National Park, Snow Leopard habitat fringe villages by training them in apiary practices. Farmers from villages close to Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) have been trained in beekeeping over the past two years under this initiative and producing organic honey. The locally produced organic honey is collected by KCC, packaged, and then supplied to the market as "Khangchendzonga Honey." This initiative is part of WWF-India's efforts to support sustainable livelihoods, reduce dependency on local ecosystems, and garner community support for snow leopard conservation initiative.
Ms. Lak Tsheden Theengh,highlighted the dual objective of the initiative, ensuring the financial well-being of local communities and securing their support for the conservation of snow leopards and other local flora and fauna. "WWF-India actively works with villagers on various issues, including sustainable livelihoods. The aim is to reduce dependency on local ecosystems while promoting conservation," she stated. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the local tourism industry, which many villagers depended on for their livelihood. In response, WWF-India identified beekeeping as a viable alternative, providing necessary training and support to local farmers. By imparting training in apiary practices, the project aims to equip farmers with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings, she said.
SDM Yuksam in his brief address, hailed the initiative of WWF-India. "In embracing apiary as a means of sustainable livelihood, we not only safeguard our natural heritage but also empower our communities to thrive," he affirmed. The SDM assured full cooperation in marketing and promotional activities for "Khangchendzonga Honey" and encouraged farmers to pursue beekeeping professionally.
KCC, is a registered community-based nonprofit organization active since 1997, continues to play a pivotal role in conservation and community development in the region.