The main agenda behind setting up the centre is to ensure preservation and restoration of the ecosystems of the Himalayas while also providing livelihood opportunities. The project further aims at preserving not only Snow Leopards but also other threatened Himalayan species. The initiative is carried out under the guidance of the Chief Minister, Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat, State Forest Minister and other officials of the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Moreover, the development will take place with the help of the United Nations Development Programme.
Initiative: Conserving Snow Leopards and Promoting Winter Tourism
The preservation of Snow Leopards will additionally help in promoting tourism during winters in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand's mountainous regions are home to numerous wildlife species, which are responsible for attracting tourists. Hence, it has become important for the authorities to put in efforts to conserve the extinct and almost-extinct species.
Based on several researches, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi regions are reporting the residence of 86 Snow Leopards in Uttarakhand at present.
In addition to the conservation centre, the Forest Department of Uttarakhand is also attempting to develop 6 forests in the cities of the Kumaon region - 2 forests in the plains, and 4 forests in the hilly regions. The purpose behind developing forests in the city is to increase the greenery in urban areas and to provide people with a clean environment.
The identified regions are Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, and Pithoragarh.