Our Journey
Indo-German Bilateral Programme
2013-2015
The Indo-German Bilateral Programme aimed to implement solar heating technologies in Ladakh to reduce biomass usage during the harsh winter months when traditional heating methods often led to significant air pollution. GIZ, the German Agency for International Cooperation, collaborated with LEDeG to promote renewable energy solutions that would enhance the quality of life in the region. LEDeG was responsible for selecting sites for solar active heating, surveying local material markets, and managing training programs to educate architects and engineers in solar thermal technologies. The project included retrofitting existing buildings with Trombe walls, improving thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Initial trials were conducted in selected houses, and upon successful results, the program was expanded to additional homes in Ladakh and Kargil. The project not only provided sustainable heating solutions but also raised awareness about the benefits of renewable energy among local communities. By promoting solar heating technologies, the Indo-German Bilateral Programme contributed to reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources, improving air quality, and enhancing the overall sustainability of energy use in Ladakh.
Fruit Processing Initiative
2000-2005
In 2000, LEDeG received an official license for food processing from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. With this authorization, LEDeG launched a comprehensive fruit processing project aimed at generating local employment and utilizing the region’s abundant fruit resources, particularly apricots and seabuckthorn.
The organization conducted extensive training sessions for both men and women from rural fruit-growing areas of Ladakh in techniques such as osmosis drying, jam and juice preparation, squash and ketchup making. LEDeG also facilitated access to essential machinery and tools, which were distributed among trainees. Packaging materials and preservatives were procured and provided to the producers, who were then supported in packaging and sealing their products.
Once processed, LEDeG purchased the products at a fixed rate and marketed them both within and outside Ladakh. Local tourists were the primary consumers within Ladakh, while for external markets, LEDeG collaborated with various distribution partners across India. The products developed under this initiative included:
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Apricot jam
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Seabuckthorn jam
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Apricot juice
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Seabuckthorn juice
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Multiple varieties of dried apricots
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Apricot oil
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Mixed pickles
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Packaged apricot nuts
This initiative significantly contributed to local livelihood generation and the promotion of Ladakhi value-added products.
Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM)
2018-2021
The Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) project was launched to address the rapid urbanization and population growth in Leh and Kargil, which strained existing water management systems. LEDeG partnered with BORDA to improve the quality of urban life by implementing a comprehensive water management strategy. The project included training for Public Health and Engineering Department (PHE) staff, who were sent on exposure visits to learn about effective water supply systems. A pilot project for a 24/7 water supply was successfully implemented in Gangles, significantly improving water access for local residents. The initiative also focused on building essential infrastructure, such as hand wash facilities in schools and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities for sanitation workers. Through extensive training programs, municipal workers learned best practices in solid waste management and water quality maintenance. The IUWM project contributed to improved sanitation and hygiene standards in the region while promoting community engagement in water management. Additionally, the project produced valuable documentation, including “Leh Vision 2030,” to outline long-term water management strategies for sustainable urban development.
High Altitude Medicinal Plants Workshop
2019-2021
Liveable, Inclusive and Resilient Himalayan City Project, funded by the European Union, aimed to strengthen the capacities of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) to create a more environmentally friendly and resilient urban center in Leh. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, LEDeG adapted its strategies to include support measures, such as procuring handwashing machines and distributing face masks. The project included capacity-building workshops for local officials to enhance leadership skills and improve city management. Significant progress was made in developing an Eco-Cultural Park, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Leh Development Authority. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, LEDeG organized training programs on solid waste management and facilitated international city pairing initiatives. The project also aimed to develop a roadmap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to urban management, including strategies for integrated water management, solid waste management, and public health. Overall, the project has significantly impacted urban sustainability efforts in Leh, fostering greater awareness and community engagement in climate-related issues.
Low Energy Consumption (LEC) Housing Programme
2011
In 2011, LEDeG, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including LREDA, LNP, LEHO, GERES India, PWD, CEC, and MCL, undertook a pioneering initiative to promote energy-efficient construction in Ladakh under the Low Energy Consumption (LEC) Housing Programme. The project aimed to address the region’s extreme climatic conditions and reduce winter energy consumption through two main construction approaches—Passive Solar Housing (PSH) and Energy Efficient Housing (EEH).
Passive Solar Housing incorporated solar architectural designs using locally available thermal insulation materials to absorb solar heat during the day and release it indoors at night, while EEH relied primarily on locally sourced insulation without the full solar thermal design. These buildings were fully insulated, including the floor, walls, roof, and double-glazed south-facing windows to maximize solar gain.
Results:
The project resulted in the construction of 570 LEC buildings across Ladakh. Additionally, LEDeG trained 80 masons and 45 carpenters in energy-efficient building technologies at the grassroots level, significantly enhancing local technical capacity. It also supported 400 artisans under the handicraft sector. A Resource Building Center was established to monitor, support, and document the construction and training processes.
That same year, LEDeG received the prestigious “NGO of the Year” award from CNN-IBN, recognizing its exemplary work in sustainable development and community-based innovation.
Fruit Processing Initiative
2000-2005
In 2000, LEDeG received an official license for food processing from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. With this authorization, LEDeG launched a comprehensive fruit processing project aimed at generating local employment and utilizing the region’s abundant fruit resources, particularly apricots and seabuckthorn.
The organization conducted extensive training sessions for both men and women from rural fruit-growing areas of Ladakh in techniques such as osmosis drying, jam and juice preparation, squash and ketchup making. LEDeG also facilitated access to essential machinery and tools, which were distributed among trainees. Packaging materials and preservatives were procured and provided to the producers, who were then supported in packaging and sealing their products.
Once processed, LEDeG purchased the products at a fixed rate and marketed them both within and outside Ladakh. Local tourists were the primary consumers within Ladakh, while for external markets, LEDeG collaborated with various distribution partners across India. The products developed under this initiative included:
-
Apricot jam
-
Seabuckthorn jam
-
Apricot juice
-
Seabuckthorn juice
-
Multiple varieties of dried apricots
-
Apricot oil
-
Mixed pickles
-
Packaged apricot nuts
This initiative significantly contributed to local livelihood generation and the promotion of Ladakhi value-added products.
Solarisation and Apricot Valorization Projects
2001
In 2001, LEDeG, in partnership with GERES, undertook the solarisation of 20 houses in the Solar Housing Colony near Leh. In addition, the project emphasized the valorization of apricot products in the Kargil region, seeking to enhance their commercial and nutritional value through improved processing and marketing techniques.
Improvement of Agricultural Structures in Ladakh (LEDeG and BORDA)
2001
In 2001, LEDeG collaborated with BORDA to revive an ongoing project focused on improving agricultural infrastructure in Ladakh. Under this renewed effort, BORDA funded the installation of seven hydraulic ram pumps (hydrams), which are mechanical water-lifting devices suited for irrigation in mountainous terrain.
Workshop on “High Altitude Medicinal Plants of Ladakh”
2002
In 2002, LEDeG, in collaboration with the Ladakh Amchi & Astro Sabha (LAAS), organized a landmark workshop focused on the identification and documentation of high-altitude medicinal plants of Ladakh. Rooted in the ancient Tibetan tradition, Amchis—traditional medicine practitioners—have historically played a central role in local healthcare systems, with specialized knowledge in astronomy, religion, and medicinal plant use often passed down through generations within families. Over time, with the rise of modern medicine, much of this traditional knowledge had faded, along with the understanding of Ladakh's indigenous flora.
Motivated by the increasing threats to plant biodiversity and the urgent need to conserve endangered species, LEDeG and LAAS undertook this initiative as part of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The workshop was organized in a series, including field surveys where Amchis were stationed in different locations to collect and identify plants. The initiative saw participation from 52 Amchis from across Ladakh. They collectively identified 12 endangered plant species and made a formal request to the Director of the Field Research Laboratory to initiate cultivation and propagation efforts for these species. Participants also agreed to document medicinal plants from their respective regions and contribute to a larger effort of building a comprehensive database. LEDeG’s initiative was one of the first large-scale community-led efforts for the conservation of traditional medicinal knowledge and plant biodiversity in Ladakh.
Workshop on “High Altitude Medicinal Plants of Ladakh”
2002
In 2002, LEDeG, in collaboration with the Ladakh Amchi & Astro Sabha (LAAS), organized a landmark workshop focused on the identification and documentation of high-altitude medicinal plants of Ladakh. Rooted in the ancient Tibetan tradition, Amchis—traditional medicine practitioners—have historically played a central role in local healthcare systems, with specialized knowledge in astronomy, religion, and medicinal plant use often passed down through generations within families. Over time, with the rise of modern medicine, much of this traditional knowledge had faded, along with the understanding of Ladakh's indigenous flora.
Motivated by the increasing threats to plant biodiversity and the urgent need to conserve endangered species, LEDeG and LAAS undertook this initiative as part of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The workshop was organized in a series, including field surveys where Amchis were stationed in different locations to collect and identify plants. The initiative saw participation from 52 Amchis from across Ladakh. They collectively identified 12 endangered plant species and made a formal request to the Director of the Field Research Laboratory to initiate cultivation and propagation efforts for these species. Participants also agreed to document medicinal plants from their respective regions and contribute to a larger effort of building a comprehensive database. LEDeG’s initiative was one of the first large-scale community-led efforts for the conservation of traditional medicinal knowledge and plant biodiversity in Ladakh.
Integrated Development of Durbuk Block Using Renewable Energy
2002-2006
In one of its most ambitious rural energy projects, LEDeG collaborated with ICEF, MNES, and LAHDC to launch the “Integrated Development of Durbuk Block” project. Located near the Line of Actual Control with China, the Durbuk block—comprising six villages—was heavily dependent on a 250kVA diesel generator for electricity.
To provide a more sustainable solution, four 25kWp Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) plants were installed, with system specifications designed by TATA-BP Solar. The Renewable Energy Development Corporation (REDCO), formed as a community-based institution, was handed full operational control.
In addition to energy supply, the project included the distribution of 2000 CFL bulbs, solar cookers (400 SK-14 parabolic and 85 box types), installation of 9 solar-powered water pumps, 330 improved chullahs, and retrofitting of 116 homes for better insulation. The initiative also supported eco-tourism, women’s entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
Outcomes:
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4×25kWp SPV plants installed
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400 SK-14 parabolic cookers, 85 box-type solar cookers
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330 improved chullahs installed
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9 water pumping systems deployed
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116 houses retrofitted
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8 eco-tourism units created
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12 self-help groups formed
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Exposure visits to Uttarakhand and Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) organized
Socio-Economic Upliftment through Mini-Hydro Projects
2002
Building on the success of the earlier micro-hydro projects from the 1990s, LEDeG, in collaboration with BORDA, proposed a new project in 2002 to replicate 20 mini-hydro units across villages that lacked access to electricity. The proposed units were of two capacities: 0.6–1.5kW and 3–5.5kW. These were targeted for 20 electrification-deficient villages across Ladakh.
The project involved strong community participation, with beneficiaries contributing to the cost of transmission lines and civil works—covering 53% of the total project cost. The turbines were developed by International Engineering and Trading Co. (INTECO), Delhi, and included attachments like wood saws, oil expellers, and grinders. LEDeG supervised the turbine production, installation, and wiring, and also trained local operators.
Village Electricity Committees (VECs) were formed to manage operations post-installation. VECs were responsible for collecting tariffs and paying operators. Additionally, skill development training in tailoring and cashmere wool spinning was offered to women from diverse backgrounds to support income generation.
Outcomes:
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20 mini-hydro sets and 4 hydrams installed
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20 local operators trained
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Formation of VECs for decentralized energy governance
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Skill enhancement training for women in tailoring and spinning
Income Generation for Rural Populations in Cold Desert Areas
2003-2007
LEDeG, in collaboration with BORDA, GERES, LNP, LEHO, and SKARCHEN, launched a multi-stakeholder project to support income generation in Ladakh’s cold desert regions. With shrinking agricultural lands (less than 0.5 hectares per household) and a transition from a subsistence to a cash economy, the region faced mounting pressure on its fragile ecosystem.
This project aimed to preserve Ladakh's cultural heritage while integrating local communities into the broader Indian economy, with a focus on basic service access and sustainable resource use. The project facilitated capacity building, vocational training, and local enterprise development in order to secure livelihoods and reduce ecological stress.
DEWAS – Decentralised Energy and Water Services for Remote Areas
2003-2005
In 2003, LEDeG and BORDA jointly launched the DEWAS project to improve livelihoods in remote mountainous areas through decentralized water and energy services. The project aimed to alleviate poverty and health risks caused by the absence of electricity and reliance on paraffin-based lighting. DEWAS combined power generation with other utility services and skill development.
Results:
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Electrification of 11 villages with power capacities between 1.5kW and 10kW
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Formation of Electricity Management Committees
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Installation of 20 additional hydrams
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3 flour grinding machines installed
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2 large community water heaters (200–300L) and 5 smaller 35L units installed
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Women’s self-help groups trained in pashmina weaving, knitting, wood carving, and pickle making
Low Energy Consumption (LEC) Housing Programme
2011
In 2011, LEDeG, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including LREDA, LNP, LEHO, GERES India, PWD, CEC, and MCL, undertook a pioneering initiative to promote energy-efficient construction in Ladakh under the Low Energy Consumption (LEC) Housing Programme. The project aimed to address the region’s extreme climatic conditions and reduce winter energy consumption through two main construction approaches—Passive Solar Housing (PSH) and Energy Efficient Housing (EEH).
Passive Solar Housing incorporated solar architectural designs using locally available thermal insulation materials to absorb solar heat during the day and release it indoors at night, while EEH relied primarily on locally sourced insulation without the full solar thermal design. These buildings were fully insulated, including the floor, walls, roof, and double-glazed south-facing windows to maximize solar gain.
Results:
The project resulted in the construction of 570 LEC buildings across Ladakh. Additionally, LEDeG trained 80 masons and 45 carpenters in energy-efficient building technologies at the grassroots level, significantly enhancing local technical capacity. It also supported 400 artisans under the handicraft sector. A Resource Building Center was established to monitor, support, and document the construction and training processes.
That same year, LEDeG received the prestigious “NGO of the Year” award from CNN-IBN, recognizing its exemplary work in sustainable development and community-based innovation.
Waste Flow Diagram for Kargil
Ongoing
This project focuses on designing a comprehensive waste flow diagram for Kargil, aiming to map the entire lifecycle of waste. It will trace waste movement from its generation sources, such as households, markets, industries, and institutions, through collection methods to its final treatment and disposal pathways. The diagram will offer a clear visual representation of existing practices, highlighting inefficiencies and critical areas for improvement. By identifying key stakeholders, including waste generators, collectors, and disposal facilities, the project will provide a holistic understanding of the system. It will also evaluate the types and quantities of waste, segregation practices, and the role of informal sectors in waste management. The insights from the waste flow diagram will enable data-driven decision-making to optimize waste management. Potential benefits include improving collection efficiency, promoting recycling initiatives, and reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. Moreover, the project will emphasize sustainable practices, such as composting, material recovery, and minimizing landfill dependency. This initiative addresses critical environmental challenges in Kargil, ensuring better planning and implementation of waste management policies.
Sanitation Safety Planning (SSP) Tool for Leh
Ongoing
The Sanitation Safety Planning (SSP) tool is being developed to address risks in the sanitation chain in Leh, ensuring safer and more sustainable waste management practices. This tool is designed to identify potential hazards at each stage of the sanitation process, including waste collection, treatment, and disposal. By systematically assessing these risks, the project aims to mitigate health and environmental hazards while enhancing the overall efficiency of the sanitation chain. Key objectives of the SSP tool include improving hygiene, protecting public health, and aligning with national sanitation standards. The tool prioritizes the identification of critical control points, enabling the implementation of targeted safety measures. It also emphasizes stakeholder engagement, ensuring that local communities, sanitation workers, and governing bodies are actively involved in the planning and execution process.
By promoting safer sanitation practices, the SSP tool aims to reduce the risk of disease transmission, improve waste management systems, and enhance environmental sustainability. Additionally, it supports capacity-building initiatives through training programs for local stakeholders, fostering long-term adoption of safe sanitation practices.
Integrated Solid Waste Management System in Kargil
Ongoing
The Sanitation Safety Planning (SSP) tool is being developed to address risks in the sanitation chain in Leh, ensuring safer and more sustainable waste management practices. This tool is designed to identify potential hazards at each stage of the sanitation process, including waste collection, treatment, and disposal. By systematically assessing these risks, the project aims to mitigate health and environmental hazards while enhancing the overall efficiency of the sanitation chain.
Key objectives of the SSP tool include improving hygiene, protecting public health, and aligning with national sanitation standards. The tool prioritizes the identification of critical control points, enabling the implementation of targeted safety measures. It also emphasizes stakeholder engagement, ensuring that local communities, sanitation workers, and governing bodies are actively involved in the planning and execution process.
By promoting safer sanitation practices, the SSP tool aims to reduce the risk of disease transmission, improve waste management systems, and enhance environmental sustainability. Additionally, it supports capacity-building initiatives through training programs for local stakeholders, fostering long-term adoption of safe sanitation practices.
Integrated Hydro Energy Development Project
1995-1999
Building on earlier collaborations, BORDA and LEDeG launched the Integrated Hydro Energy Development Project to expand the use of hydraulic rams and mini-turbines to increase irrigation capacity in Ladakh’s arid climate.
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1992: 3 hydraulic rams installed
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1993: 4 additional rams installed
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1995–1997: 27 rams installed (23 operational)
In 1996, BORDA provided 7 mini-turbines with induction generators, sourced via Zhejiang Provincial Science & Technology Commission (China). Local labor and materials were contributed by villagers, while LEDeG trained operators who were then supported through community-set electricity tariffs.
Notable outcomes:
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Urbis: 0.3 ha cultivated with barley, fodder, and vegetables; planted 90 apricot and 450 willow/poplar trees (Rs. 4,000/year income)
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Pinchimik: 0.15 ha irrigated (Rs. 4,500/year income)
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Shey (1996): 0.3 ha irrigated with Rs. 5,500 annual income
Encouraged by these results, LEDeG proposed manufacturing 15 units (3–5.5 kW) and 10 units (0.6–1.5 kW) locally with BORDA’s assistance.
Improved Watermill Project (Funded by CAPART)
1997
To reduce delays in grain milling caused by overuse of traditional water mills, LEDeG introduced a Multi-Purpose Power Unit (MPPU) with a modified Pelton turbine, enhancing efficiency threefold.
20 villages across Leh and Kargil received the improved mills, some of which were equipped with table saws, wood turning lathes, and 3.5 kW alternators for multi-purpose use.
Examples:
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Turtuk (Nubra): Craftsman’s income increased due to multifunctionality
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Wanla: Enabled a wood carver to establish a small-scale enterprise
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Bodkharboo (Kargil): 10 families received electricity, paying Rs. 30/month for maintenance via Village Electricity Committee
Outcomes:
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3 villages: Units with alternators
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1 village: Unit with table saw & lathe
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2 villages: Lathe only
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14 villages: Improved turbines alone
A 1999 mid-term review by Society for Technology and Development, Mandi (HP) rated the project a great success.
Seabuckthorn Research & International Recognition
1997
Inspired by China’s achievements shared at the 1995 Seabuckthorn Workshop, LEDeG’s Rural Development Department initiated a seabuckthorn R&D project in Ladakh.
Activities included training in jam, juice, and chocolate production, canning, and awareness of its medicinal and ecological benefits.
In 1997, LEDeG was granted national membership in the International Center for Research and Training on Seabuckthorn (ICRTS) and invited to present at the Global Meet on Seabuckthorn R&D in Turku, Finland. Their presentation highlighted:
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Medicinal flora of Ladakh
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Nutritional value of Ladakhi seabuckthorn
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Global comparison of seabuckthorn varieties
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Product samples (jam, juice, chocolate)
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Environmental impact and traditional uses
LEDeG was the first organization to formally research and promote seabuckthorn in Ladakh.
LEDeG’s Recognition and Micro Hydro Expansion
1994
In 1994, LEDeG’s success in implementing micro hydro projects gained it national recognition. Funding was further supported by DanChurchAid. LEDeG was invited to participate in the Shimla Round Table Meeting organized by the Alternate Hydro Energy Center (AHEC) at the University of Roorkee, under the auspices of the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), Government of India.
Following this, Mr. Sonam Dawa, Executive Director of LEDeG, was inducted into the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) for the UNDP-GEF project titled “Optimising Development of Small Hydel Resources in the Hilly Regions of India.” The project aimed to establish 20 commercially viable small hydel units, upgrade 100 traditional water mills, train personnel, and promote the use of electricity for domestic applications through NGO participation.
MNES allotted five portable micro hydro units (5 kW each)—three to the district administration and two to LEDeG, with LEDeG also providing technical assistance for the installation of all five.
Additionally, LEDeG’s hydraulic ram technology, developed in-house, demonstrated considerable success. Subsequently, CAPART (Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) commissioned LEDeG to train NGOs from Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in its manufacture and installation.
During this period, LEDeG helped install micro hydro systems in 16 villages, including Hemis Shukpachan, Bogdang, and Hinju, with three being upgraded water mills that could generate electricity.
Handicrafts Development
1994
In the same year, LEDeG expanded its handicrafts program. Training continued in Basgo, Skurbuchan, Kungyam, Matho, and Saspol, with new centers opened in Chemdey, Miru, and Fanjila. A total of 195 trainees were trained by 1994. Two Handicraft Service Centers were set up at Sakti and Saspol. Coordinators participated in exposure visits and promoted their crafts at Delhi Haat, resulting in improved sales and product visibility.
Formation of the Pashmina Guild
1995
Traditionally sourced from the Changthang region, pashmina wool production was dominated by Kashmiri weavers, sidelining Ladakh’s role. In 1995, LEHO (Ladakh Environment and Health Organization) convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to address concerns over breed protection and industry expansion.
The result was the formation of the Pashmina Guild, registered under the Societies Act. LEDeG, recognized for its work in handicrafts, was a founding member. LEDeG took on the responsibility of importing and disseminating two dehairing machines manufactured by GERES (France) and gifted by BORDA. These were delivered by 1998.
Mountain Agriculture Project (LEDeG & SSNC)
1998-2000
Funded by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC), LEDeG launched a major research initiative on sustainable mountain agriculture. Findings revealed:
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Limited arable land
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Cow dung use as fuel depleted manure supply
Objectives:
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Diversify cropping systems
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Promote scientific dairy management (women-run creameries)
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Develop fodder and pasture
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Train in food preservation and irrigation methods
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Introduce solar-heated biogas plants and improved crop varieties
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Train Amchis (traditional healers) and organize medical camps
Project outcomes (Leh & Kargil):
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69 cross-bred cows distributed
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15 ha orchard developed
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3 fruit nurseries established
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12 ha drip/sprinkler irrigated
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38.5 ha pastureland developed
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72 ha perennial and 18 ha annual fodder land
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68 dairy product demonstrations
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30 food preservation workshops
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44 solar poly dryers installed
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2 fruit pulping machines procured
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3 Amchi workshops and 3 five-day medical camps conducted
Follow-up evaluations confirmed the project’s economic benefits for rural farmers, marking it as a resounding success.
LEDeG Headquarters Inauguration
1984
In 1984, LEDeG’s headquarters in Leh was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This eco-friendly building, powered by solar energy, became a model of sustainable development. The headquarters included a solar-powered restaurant, an extensive library on ecological practices, and a workshop for teaching villagers appropriate technologies like solar ovens and Trombe walls, encouraging a self-reliant and ecologically sustainable lifestyle.
Right to Livelihood Award
1986
In recognition of her efforts to preserve Ladakhi culture and promote sustainable development, Helena Norberg-Hodge received the prestigious Right to Livelihood Award in 1986. This accolade brought international attention to LEDeG’s work and strengthened the organization’s resolve to advocate for local self-reliance and ecologically sound development in Ladakh.
Agricultural Awareness & Pesticide Campaign
1986-1989
From 1986 to 1989, LEDeG spearheaded a campaign to educate local farmers about the dangers of chemical pesticides and the importance of organic farming. Through workshops and community meetings, LEDeG worked to raise awareness about the long-term impacts of pesticides on both human health and the environment, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and protect Ladakh's unique ecosystem.
BORDA and LEDeG Collaboration
1988-1991
The Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA), founded in 1977 by citizens of Bremen, Germany, aimed to promote international cooperation grounded in justice, sustainable development, and peace. Between 1988 and 1991, BORDA collaborated with LEDeG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group) to implement socio-economic development measures in Ladakh's ecologically fragile areas. This partnership was primarily funded by Central European University (CEU) and BORDA, focusing on improving living conditions in vulnerable rural communities.
Handicraft Program for Women
1989
From 1986 to 1989, LEDeG spearheaded a campaign to educate local farmers about the dangers of chemical pesticides and the importance of organic farming. Through workshops and community meetings, LEDeG worked to raise awareness about the long-term impacts of pesticides on both human health and the environment, encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and protect Ladakh's unique ecosystem.
Micro-Hydro Power Projects
1989-1996
LEDeG embarked on micro-hydro power projects to provide sustainable energy solutions to remote Ladakhi villages. These included the installation of 15 micro-hydro plants and 50 hydraulic ram pumps, which helped improve access to electricity and water for agricultural purposes. The projects, which were designed to operate without the need for petroleum-based motors, offered ecologically sound alternatives to traditional energy sources, aligning with LEDeG’s commitment to decentralized, renewable energy.
DanChurchAid (DCA) and LEDeG – Appropriate Technology and Environment Project (ATEP)
1989-1996
In 1989, DanChurchAid (DCA), a humanitarian organization based in Denmark, began its collaboration with LEDeG under the Appropriate Technology and Environment Project (ATEP). The aim was to address the growing threats to Ladakh’s traditional way of life due to over-subsidization, tourism, and military presence, as well as the pressures of rapid modernization and migration to urban areas.
The project, supported by Danida, focused on demonstrating sustainable development strategies that aligned with local culture and environment. Its key goals were to:
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Enhance the material well-being of villagers through the introduction of micro-hydro power, improved heating systems, and water access for agriculture and daily use.
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Encourage non-farming income, such as through handicrafts, to reduce dependency on agriculture alone.
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Preserve traditional culture while raising awareness of the dangers of unchecked modernization.
Project Achievements:
Appropriate Technology:
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15 Micro-hydro plants for sustainable electricity.
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50 Hydraulic ram pumps for water lifting.
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25 Trombe walls and 50 solar space heating systems for efficient heating.
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150 solar water heaters (15 thermosiphoning, 100 drain-down).
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50 solar ovens and improved traditional toilets.
Handicrafts:
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Established training centers in 10 villages, training 450 villagers in various skills.
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Formed 5 village cooperatives to market their goods in Leh and beyond.
Education & Awareness:
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Conducted meetings with villagers and government officials to spread awareness on ecological development.
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Trained teachers to extend educational outreach.
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Expanded LEDeG’s library and translated Helena Norberg-Hodge’s work for greater dissemination of cultural sustainability.
BORDA and LEDeG Collaboration
1998-1991
The Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) partnered with LEDeG to improve the socio-economic conditions in environmentally endangered areas of Ladakh. This collaboration focused on sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on addressing the challenges posed by climate change and resource depletion. Through a series of projects funded by grants from the Central European University and BORDA, the initiative aimed to enhance community resilience and promote eco-friendly technologies. Key activities included the installation of micro-hydro systems and the development of water and sanitation facilities, which were vital for improving health and living conditions in rural areas. LEDeG played a crucial role in training local communities in the operation and maintenance of these technologies, ensuring sustainability and community ownership. The collaboration not only provided immediate benefits in terms of improved water access and energy but also laid the groundwork for ongoing engagement with local communities to promote ecological sustainability and socio-economic development. This partnership exemplified the importance of international cooperation in addressing local challenges and fostering sustainable practices in vulnerable regions like Ladakh.
The Ladakh Project and Formation of LEDeG
1978 - 1984
In 1978 Helena Norberg-Hodge initiated a solar energy pilot project in Ladakh, introducing innovative technologies like Trombe walls and solar ovens. The objective was to empower local communities by promoting sustainable energy solutions that catered to the unique environmental conditions of the region. This project marked the beginning of a broader movement aimed at preserving Ladakhi culture while integrating modern, ecologically sustainable practices.
In 1978, Helena Norberg-Hodge began advocating for appropriate development in Ladakh through the Ladakh Project, which focused on encouraging sustainable, community-based development. As the region faced rapid modernization and the erosion of traditional values, Helena recognized the importance of preserving Ladakhi culture while introducing eco-friendly technologies.
In 1983, the Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG) was formally established with the assistance of Helena Norberg-Hodge, Mr. Tsewang Rigzin Lakruk, and Mr. Sonam Dawa. LEDeG aimed to counter the growing environmental and cultural degradation caused by modernization and promote an ecologically sustainable future for Ladakh. The organization initially focused on solar technologies and decentralized, low-cost energy solutions.
Before its official formation, LEDeG successfully carried out a pilot project in 1978, which introduced simple solar technologies to demonstrate their potential in Ladakh's harsh climate. One of the key innovations of this pilot was the introduction of Trombe walls, a passive solar heating system that leveraged the region’s abundant sunlight. These initial efforts laid the foundation for the larger-scale interventions that followed with the formal establishment of LEDeG in 1983.