Message from the Founder, Mahabodhi International Meditation Center (MIMC), Leh On the Eve of World Wetlands Day – 2 February 2026
On the eve of World Wetlands Day, I extend my warm greetings to the people of Ladakh and to all who are committed to the protection of nature and life-supporting ecosystems across the world. Every year on 2nd February, World Wetlands Day brings people everywhere together in recognizing the critical importance of wetlands. These remarkable ecosystems are essential to the continuity of life on Earth—regulating water, sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining ecological balance.
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2026, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” is especially meaningful for Ladakh. Our high-altitude wetlands are among the world’s most unique and fragile ecosystems. They are not only the lifeline of water in this cold desert region, but also hold exceptional ecological value as the only places in India where the Black-necked Crane and the Bar-headed Goose breed.
For centuries, the people of Ladakh have lived in harmony with these wetlands. Guided by deep-rooted religious and cultural ethos—grounded in compassion, restraint, and respect for all forms of life—local communities have protected these sacred landscapes since ancient times. Wetlands were never seen merely as resources, but as living systems deserving care and reverence.
In today’s rapidly changing world, this traditional ecological wisdom is more relevant than ever. As pressures from climate change and unsustainable practices increase, we must collectively strive to revive and strengthen our traditional knowledge and community-based stewardship. By doing so, we can ensure that our high-altitude wetlands continue to nurture biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and inspire spiritual and cultural values for generations to come.
On this World Wetlands Day, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect these precious ecosystems—by blending scientific understanding with timeless traditional knowledge, and by acting with compassion for all life.
With prayers for harmony between humanity and nature.
Bhikkhu Sanghasena
Founder President Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh Ladakh | Save the Himalayas Foundation & Mahakaruna Foundation, New Delhi