25/10/2023
Tar Village Celebrates International Snow Leopard Day with a Pledge to Protect Wildlife
October 23, the villagers of Tar Village, came together to celebrate International Snow Leopard Day. They were joined by important guests, including the Honourable Councillor of Khaltsi Constituency Mr. Lobzang Sherab, HIAL Founder Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, Snow Leopard Conservancy Director Dr. Tsewang Namgyal, Wildlife Tour Operators Association President Mr. Lobzang Visudha, and their teams.
International Snow Leopard Day reminds us to protect the endangered snow leopards and their homes. Tar Village, located in the mountains where these incredible creatures live, understands the importance of living peacefully with them. The celebration was a chance for the villagers to show their dedication to keeping these amazing animals safe.
One special part of the event was the focus on wildlife protection and the idea of "Vocal for Local." Tar Village takes pride in using food grown in the village itself, not bringing a single thing from outside. This helps them reduce their impact on the environment and supports local farming.
During the event, they shared traditional foods they grew by themselves. These foods reflect their deep connection to the land and how they care for it. From fruits and veggies to grains and dairy, everything on their menu tells a story of how they live sustainably.
Mr Lobzang Sherab assured the villagers that the government would support their efforts for a better community. He also pledged to revive the local school in the near future, recognizing its importance. The villagers welcomed this announcement with gratitude and hope for a brighter future.
Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, the visionary Founder of HIAL, bestowed his admiration upon the villagers for their unwavering dedication and wholeheartedly pledged his support to fortify their continued endeavors. He eloquently emphasized the profound influence of local initiatives, underscoring their pivotal role in molding a more radiant and promising future for one and all.
Snow Leopard Conservancy Director Mr. Tsewang Namgyal talked about how special snow leopards are and why it's important to protect them. He said events like this one help people understand why.
Wildlife Association President Mr. Lobzang Visudha praised Tar Village for leading the way in wildlife protection and encouraged other communities to do the same.
In addition, he made a generous contribution of Rs 10,000 towards the welfare of the village. The villagers welcomed these announcements with gratitude and hope for a brighter future.
Mr. Imran, from the Wildlife Association, shared valuable ideas during the event. He suggested ways to preserve the village traditions and presented a wonderful film he directed. What made the film special was that it was entirely in the local language, emphasizing the community's cultural richness.
In a significant moment, the event also witnessed the inauguration of farmstays, thoughtfully upgraded by Omaju Travels, featuring locally-sourced materials, including furniture and lamps. This initiative not only ensures a unique and authentic experience for visitors but also actively involves the local community in preserving their natural heritage.
But the celebration was about more than just eating and enjoying the view. Everyone at the event promised to protect the wildlife. They took a pledge to take care of not just the snow leopards but the whole environment they call home.
