Ladakh Project
Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India, is a high-altitude desert region. For centuries it was home to a rich and self-sustaining culture.
It was sealed off from the outside world until the mid-seventies when the region was opened up for development, which undermined the local economy and eroded cultural self-esteem.
To counteract the impacts of global developments in the region Helena Norberg-Hodge and her husband John Page set up the Ladakh Project, the forerunner of Local Futures, in 1978. The Ladakh Project supported ecological farming, introduced solar greenhouses, published Ladakhi-language schoolbooks and the first Ladakhi-English dictionary, and organised village workshops and international gatherings.
Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India, is a high-altitude desert region. For centuries it was home to a rich and self-sustaining culture. It was sealed off from the outside world until the mid-seventies when the region was opened up for development, which undermined the local economy and eroded cultural self-esteem.
To counteract this change Helena Norberg-Hodge and her husband John Page set up the Ladakh Project, the forerunner of Local Futures, in 1978. The Ladakh Project supported ecological farming, introduced solar greenhouses, published Ladakhi-language schoolbooks and the first Ladakhi-English dictionary, and organised village workshops and international gatherings.
Helena Norberg-Hodge first went to Ladakh in 1975. She came to know the peaceful culture from within and witnessed the destructive impacts of global economic development. The lessons learned from this thriving culture – and the change that followed – inspired her to start the Ladakh Project, which later became Local Futures.
Local Futures Ladakh today
Our Ladakhi team focuses on relocalizing food systems and reviving traditional practices. In collaboration with indigenous organizations and the local government, we host workshops and dialogues on food, farming and traditional knowledge, promote more responsible tourism, and produce short films on the major issues facing Ladakh today. Find our ongoing and most recent projects below:
Ongoing projects
Mindful travel
This program helps visitors become aware of their impact on Ladakh and offers guidelines for culturally, economically and ecologically responsible behavior.
Help in the villages
This program enables visitors to help with various work in Ladakhi villages, including harvesting, irrigation, and building projects. Contact us for more information.
Film screenings
From June to October, daily screenings of our films place at the Women´s Alliance Centre in Leh. Contact us for more information and browse our films.
Recent projects
Planet Local Summit
A 5-day unique gathering for local solutions, that brought together change-makers from Ladakh, India, and beyond.
Seed of Reflection
During this 2-day workshop we explored the deep interconnectedness of self, community, and nature.
Earth building
Together with a local entreprise we organized a workshop to restore a historic house in the Chuchot village. Read our blog.
Helena Norberg-Hodge honored in Ladakh
We are deeply moved by the special recognition awarded by the Ladakhi government to Local Futures´ founding-director Helena Norberg-Hodge, marking the 50th anniversary of her first visit to Ladakh.
Videos by Local Futures Ladakh
Traditional Harvesting - showcases traditional harvesting in the remote village of Gya in Eastern Ladakh.
Young Farmers in Ladakh - tells the story of the young people who rediscover the value of land-based living.
Ladakh website
To find out more about the work of our team in Ladakh and how to get involved, visit the Local Futures Ladakh website:
