With its snow-capped mountains, rich flora and fauna and scening beauty, the Himalayan region of India beckon the tired souls to break away from the routine of daily life and escape in the expanses of its serenity. The pictures represent only one side of the story, and the lived realities of the mountain region are often overshadowed.

Global warming and climate change in the recent years due to human exploitation has caused immense loss of biodiversity in this major climate zone of the country. This loss has the caused a loss of livelihood and poverty among the local communities too. These issues are correlated and major concerns at a global level today. The United Nations is giving us a chance to contribute by giving nature its due. This is a shout-out to all wildlife and culture enthusiast in hopes to revive the dying ecosystems and sustenances of communities of the Himalayas.

To make amends, the UNDP is collaborating with The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and the Global Environment Faculty for a project known as ‘SECURE Himalaya’, in order to ensure conservation of biodiversity, land and forest resources while enhancing the livelihoods of the local communities of the high altitude regions of the Himalayas. It began in the month of January in 2017 and is estimated to end by December in the year 2023.

As a part of this project, they are hosting a logo and tagline, and illustration competition which focuses on showcasing the livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of the high- range Himalayan ecosystems. Participants are welcome to apply for either or both of these categories. The competition is open to anyone and everyone, with some very excited prizes in store. Other than a cash prize, you can get a chance to travel to Ladakh and the opportunity to spot the very elusive ‘Ghost Cat’ – snow leopards!

Theme: Protecting Wildlife, Preserving Landscapes and Empowering Communities in High Altitude Himalayas

Prizes for both categories:
First Prize: Cash Prize of INR 50,000.
Second Prize: Trip to Project Landscape, Hemis National Park, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir.

The deadline for submissions is October 31 2018.

Entries are to be submitted here and click here for more information about the same. You can e-mail them at securehimalaya.competition@gmail.com for further queries.

Representational image courtesy of NATUREPL.COM/REINHARD/ARCO/ WWF.