Context: The Secure Himalaya project is launched by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in association with United Nations development program (UNDP).

About SECURE

• SECURE is for Securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems.

• It is a part of “Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development” (Global Wildlife Program) funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

• It promotes sustainable management of alpine pastures and forests in the high range Himalayan ecosystems.

Aim: To secure conservation of globally significant wildlife, including endangered snow leopard and their habitats.

• To ensure sustainable livelihoods and socio-economic benefits for communities in the selected high-altitude landscapes in the Trans- and Greater Himalayan regions.

• It contributes to the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), a joint initiative of 12 range country governments, international agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

Key Components

• Conservation of key biodiversity areas and their effective management to secure long-term ecosystem resilience, habitat connectivity and conservation of snow leopard and other endangered species and their habitats

• Securing sustainable community livelihoods and natural resource management in high range Himalayan ecosystems

• Enhancing enforcement, monitoring and cooperation to reduce wildlife crime and related threats

• Knowledge, advocacy, communication and information systems established.

Achievements

• Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) launched for accurate estimate the Snow Leopard population;

• Trained 2,000 frontline forest staff and community members in monitoring of wild habitats;

• Inspiring innovation and youth participation through SECURE Himalaya Hackathon to develop technology-based solutions for conservation;

• Developed a Virtual Reality experience to highlight the importance of snow leopards among the general public and encourage policy initiatives aimed at conservation of the critically endangered species.