Our Team

Founder's desk

Helena Norberg Hodge

Helena Norberg-Hodge is a world-renowned linguist, author, filmmaker, and pioneer in promoting local economies and cultural sustainability. Born in Sweden, she pursued her education across Europe and the United States, including at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she collaborated with the celebrated linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky. Helena is best known for her work in "localization," a movement that seeks to revitalize local economies and reduce the impacts of globalization on communities and the environment. Her academic background in linguistics provided her with a nuanced understanding of various cultures and languages, allowing her to work effectively with different communities. Since 1975, Helena has worked with the people of Ladakh to help them adapt to the modern world while preserving their cultural and ecological heritage.

President's note

Sarla Chhewang

It gives me immense pleasure to witness the vibrant young talent from diverse backgrounds thriving at LEDeG. Our primary goal is to transform Leh into an environmentally friendly, resilient, and sustainable urban center. Recognizing the need for enhanced capacity among policymakers, we have prioritized the development of young and dynamic administrators who can make informed decisions for the town’s betterment. To this end, we organized numerous town hall meetings, exposure visits, and training sessions for senior and mid-level officials throughout Leh and beyond in 2018 and 2019. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Stanzin Tsephel, Director of BORDA South East Asia, for his unwavering support and guidance since I took on the role of Executive Director at LEDeG. Together, we strive for a brighter and greener future for our community.

Director's desk

Eshey Tondup

As we reflect on the past performances of our organization, it is essential to highlight our achievements. The Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG) has established itself as one of the most reputable and influential NGOs in both Leh and Kargil districts. We have been honored with numerous national and international awards, recognizing our impactful work in these remote and challenging areas. In 2018, we forged a significant partnership with the European Union and BORDA to address urban issues in Leh through the 'Liveable Leh' project. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for our residents. We look forward to continuing our mission and achieving even greater milestones in the future.