WWF-India and Charkha Ladakh Conclude One-Month Handloom Training Under Darwin Initiative.

WWF-India, in collaboration with Charkha Ladakh Phyang, successfully completed a one-month intensive Handloom Training under the Darwin Initiative, which commenced on November 20, 2024, and concluded today on December 20, 2024. The training was held in the Kargyam belt of Changthang, Ladakh, and saw active participation from 58 women representing the villages of Sato, Barma, and Khera Pullu.
This initiative marks another milestone in WWF-India’s livelihood activities in Changthang, having conducted similar training programs across ten villages, including Hanley (Punguk & Buk-Shado), Nyoma, Chumathang, Angkung, Phulak, and Tsokar. During the training, the women artisans produced an impressive collection of 70 items, including shawls, stoles, and mufflers, showcasing their evolving craftsmanship and dedication.
The closing ceremony was a vibrant event attended by Hon’ble Ex-Executive Councillor & Councillor, Chushul Constituency, Shri Konchok Stanzin; Nominated Councillor, Venerable Konchok Tsephel; Shri Rigzin Dawa, Senior Programme Officer, WWF-India; Nambardar Kargyam, Shri Thinles Angchuk; Ex-BDC Chairman, Shri Konchok Phuntsog; Master Trainers, Madam Thinley Gyamo, Madam Chamba Angmo, and Madam Rigzin Spaldon. The event also witnessed enthusiastic participation from community members and the women beneficiaries who celebrated their achievements.
Empowering Women, Building Leaders, Promoting Conservation
The training program aimed to empower local women by providing them with alternative livelihood opportunities while fostering leadership skills and a stronger connection to environmental and wildlife conservation. Participants expressed their gratitude for the training, which not only enhanced their income generation potential but also encouraged them to take active roles as stewards of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.
Shri Konchok Stanzin, Hon’ble Councillor, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in creating sustainable livelihoods and reinforcing conservation efforts. He applauded the women for their dedication and creativity.
WWF-India remains committed to supporting the communities of Changthang through innovative livelihood programs that align with conservation goals. This training is a testament to the resilience and talent of the women of Kargyam and the collective efforts of stakeholders to create a sustainable future for Ladakh’s rangelands.