Projects we wish to support

It is our sincere aim to support the people on the plateau of Changthang in their efforts to preserve the cultural values of the centuries-old Buddhist tradition and at the same time adapt to the needs of our time, to secure their livelihood.

Connecting to that we would like to focus on two important aspects:

1.   Improve the educational opportunities of the younger generation

The possibilities of a sound education in the Changthang region are very limited. Affiliated to Sharchukhul monastery is a middle school, where at present about 50 young monks receive a basic education up to the eighth grade. The nearby largest town of the region, Tangtse, is the only place with a secondary high school. For further studies the young people have to move to Leh, the main city of Ladakh. This is for many families, despite government funding, hardly affordable.

2.   Environmental projects to improve living conditions and support the ecosystem

The Changthang plateau with its vast highlands and giant lakes reaches from Northwest Tibet into Southeast Ladakh. The landscape of the Changthang wildlife sanctuary in eastern Ladakh, at an altitude of 4300-5800 meter, is characterized by deep gorges and vast plateaus. It is known as the land of Changpa nomads who inhabit the highlands with their animals. Agriculture is very limited in this barren high mountain desert.

In order to maintain ecological balance and environmental stability, while improving the socio-economic conditions, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, as the spiritual leader of the Drikung-Kagyu-Tradition, initiated in summer 2014 the “Go green & go organic” project. This initiative focuses on environmental education and the implementation of ecological practices in various areas of Ladakh.
In order to promote sustainable environmental and economic development in the Changthang region, thousands of trees and bushes such as willow and especially sea buckthorn, were planted during the first two phases in the summer and autumn of 2014. Additionally, the necessary irrigation canals were created.
The monks of Sharchukhul monastery are playing an important role model in this important project and actively care for the various plantations.