Operational Themes -
Climate Change
Technical card
Location: India
Dates: 2008-2012
Technical partners: Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDEG), Ladakh and Health Organization (LEHO), Leh Nutrition Project (LNP), Student Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), Spiti Trans Himalaya Action Group (STAG)
Financial partners: European Union, Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), Ensemble Foundation, Lord Michelham of Hellingly Foundation, Abbé Pierre Foundation, Gaz et Electricité de Grenoble (GEG), Legallais Bouchard
Description of action
Over the past few years, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly visible in the regions of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti, situated in the cold deserts of the Western Indian Himalayas. Rain and snowfall patterns have changed: it snows less in winter and rains more in summer. The melting of small glaciers affects the flow of water courses. Rising temperatures create favourable conditions for the invasion of insects and parasites.
Since 2008, GERES is running a project aiming to:
- analyse the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of rural communities;
- develop solutions and coping mechanisms to enable communities to deal with the impact of climate change;
- raise the awareness of communities and public authorities of the risks of climate change and advise them on ways to adapt.
Medium-term aims include working out coping solutions and developing communications strategies for the 35 villages and for schools as part of a climate change awareness-raising campaign.
GERES India Website
