About Us
In Ladakh, there’s a saying: “Chu ma yongs pa rags”—“Find the solution before the problem arises.” LEDeG, a nonprofit in Ladakh, promotes sustainable development through renewable energy, eco-friendly construction, sustainable agriculture, efficient water and waste management, climate resilience, and skill development. Our holistic approach empowers local communities for long-term socio-economic progress, respecting Ladakh’s environment and traditions while fostering a balance between modernity and cultural heritage.
100+
Projects done so far
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Partner Collab
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Our Mission
We work for a sustainable Ladakh, empowering communities with renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture while fostering resilience through education and global collaboration.
Our Vision
We envision a Ladakh where development is ecologically sustainable, culturally respectful, and economically inclusive, integrating modern technologies with traditional knowledge.
Our Story
Ladakh opened to tourists in 1974, and Helena Norberg-Hodge was one of the first Westerners to visit in 1975. Observing the negative impacts of modernization on Ladakh’s culture and environment, she began advocating for sustainable development rooted in local traditions. Inspired by Small is Beautiful, Helena launched a solar energy pilot in 1978, an early effort toward Energy Democracy.
In 1983, Helena, Tsewang Rigzin Lakruk, and Sonam Dawa founded the Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG). They introduced solar technologies, hydraulic ram pumps, and improved water mills, and in 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the 14th Dalai Lama inaugurated LEDeG's Leh headquarters. Helena’s work earned her the Right Livelihood Award in 1986, gaining LEDeG international recognition.
Through the 1980s, LEDeG expanded into renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and vocational training for women, aiming to preserve Ladakh’s culture while promoting sustainable progress.