2023- A Year of Impactful Initiatives and Positive Change

As we bid adieu to 2023, a year marked by its highs and lows, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our vibrant community of travelers, volunteers, and supporters of our initiatives who have become part of the Ecosphere family and journeys of change. 

This year posed its challenges, with the disastrous floods in Himachal that also impacted the tourist inflow to Spiti. However, in the face of adversity, our resilience and determination prevailed.

Despite the hurdles, 2023 stands as a testament to a year of growth, compassion, and meaningful change. This year, we've actively undertaken a series of initiatives that have allowed us to make a positive impact. Below is a brief on what all we’ve been able to achieve:

• Dental Treatment Camps in Bihar, Uttarakhand & Spiti Valley 
• Eye & Ear Camps in Spiti Valley
• Set of Charitable Dental Clinics in Delhi & Kaza, Spiti
• Awareness & Trainings on Menstrual Health & Hygiene Management 
• Introduction of Menstrual Cups as an environment-friendly alternative
• Awareness & Training on Mental Health 
• Solar Street lighting in Jispa, Lahaul 
• Built Solar Passive Rooms in Spiti Valley 
• Built Solar passive water storage facilities in Pangmo & Lidang, Spiti 
• Feeding of stray dogs through the winter in Spiti

Saving Smiles - Transforming Oral Health in Rural India

Oral health is incredibly important for maintaining the well-being of an individual. Unfortunately, in rural India, access to dental care is extremely poor and as a result, oral health is severely ignored leading to many people suffering from loss of teeth at an early age and dental issues that cripple daily life.

In Spiti, due to poor oral hygiene and lack of treatment availability, adults lose most teeth to cavities by their 40s. Since 2021, we've conducted free dental camps, offering treatment and education in Spiti Valley. Recognizing the challenging situation in most rural India, like in previous years during the winters we expanded our reach beyond Spiti to the interiors of Bihar and Uttarakhand.

Dental camp in Chainpur, Bihar

Dental camp in The John Martyn Memorial School in Dehradun, Uttarakhand

In collaboration with Colgate India, we extended our commitment to oral health by distributing toothbrushes among villagers, fostering better dental hygiene practices.

Additionally, we took a significant step by establishing charitable dental clinics in Burari, Delhi and Kaza, Spiti to extend oral healthcare support to bridge the gap in quality dental services.

Dental Clinic in Kaza, Spiti

Dental Clinic in Delhi

Bridging Vision Gaps - Eye & Ear Camps in Spiti

Since there are no eye clinics in Spiti, the nearest hope for the locals for vision care is a distant journey away in Shimla or Manali. Due to limited resources and remote locations, the majority of people are unable to undertake this journey and hence never had the chance to get their eyes tested. 

We organised Eye and Ear Camp this year in collaboration with Royal Enfield and Dr Shroffs Charity Eye Hospital. It spanned across 10 days and touched the lives of 868 persons in the remote villages of Spiti Valley. Custom-fitted spectacles were distributed to those with vision impairment, and individuals with cataracts underwent treatment in a surgical camp in Kaza in collaboration with Mission Hospital, Manali.

 

Spiti Monthly Matters - A Sustainable Approach to Menstrual Health 

This year in collaboration with the University of Utah, we conducted training sessions in the villages of Spiti to spread awareness about Menstrual Health and Hygiene. We also built designated pits for the proper disposal of menstrual products. 

Working on this program we realised that every year, Spiti Valley generates 10 lakhs + of menstrual waste that finds its way into landfills, pristine rivers and mountains! This leads to pollution and degradation of the environment. 

As a way to address this, we collaborated with Sirona and together we initiated a groundbreaking initiative in Spiti by distributing menstrual cups as a sustainable and eco-friendly option. 

Mental health awareness

Since 2019, we have embarked on an inspiring collaboration with the brilliant minds of the University of Utah. In 2022, our collaboration took an impactful direction as we turned our attention to mental health. Findings revealed alarming gaps in mental health awareness amongst women.

Alarmed with this invaluable research and the determination to make a difference, in 2023, a comprehensive module on Mental Health was developed. Training of Trainers of women from various villages like Pangmo, Demul, Langza and Kwang was undertaken to empower women.  Through continued education and training, we hope to raise awareness about mental health and provide the necessary tools and resources.

Overcoming Darkness with Solar Street Lights

Himalayan valleys experience inconsistent electricity supply, with prolonged power cuts, particularly during winter when snow disrupts power lines. Reliable electricity is crucial for household and educational activities due to short daylight hours in the winter. In the remote interiors of Himachal, where access to conventional electricity may be limited, solar streetlights play a pivotal role. 

In 2023, in collaboration with Royal Enfield, we installed 80 solar street lights in the village of Jispa in Lahaul.

Solar Passive Rooms for 3 Families

In Spiti's severe winters with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees, communities traditionally use wood and dung for warmth, emitting harmful greenhouse gases. To address this, we introduced solar passive rooms—simple architectural enhancements that capture solar heat and maintain indoor temperatures above 10°C without external heating.

This year we built 3 additional solar passive rooms in Spiti.

Transforming Water Access with Solar Water Storage

In Spiti, water is a precious resource, with most villages relying on fresh water from glaciers and springs replenished by winter snow. Unfortunately, climate change has led to reduced snowfall which has impacted the availability of water. To address this, we've installed solar water pumps in various villages combined with water storage facilities encased in a passive solar building to prevent the water from freezing over, ensuring sustainable water access in the region. These facilities are a crucial multi-utility resource not just for storing water but also as heated community spaces for bathing and washing clothes.

This year we built 2 such multi-utility Solar passive water storage facilities in Pangmo and Lidang.

Enhancing Nutrition with Greenhouse

Spiti's harsh winter prevents the growth of green vegetables, affecting nutrition. Villagers have to rely on vegetables brought from the plains, making them expensive and difficult to obtain. To address this, we've built 150+ greenhouses in Spiti, ensuring year-round availability of fresh produce.

This year, we provided training to locals, focusing on enhancing vegetable yields and imparting skills in greenhouse repair and maintenance.

Animal Welfare

The Spiti strays have to face the harsh realities of winter as food scarcity turns them into predators, preying on livestock and smaller dogs. The dog feeding program was initiated to prevent the dogs from becoming feral and encourage the local communities to befriend them.

This year the Dog feeding program continued in summer and winter, providing meals for 300+ dogs. 

Bridging Educational Gaps

Limited access to high schools and senior secondary schools in most Spiti villages contributes to high dropout rates, especially for girls from low-income families. The absence of a local college forces youth to migrate to larger cities, posing financial challenges and leading many, especially girls, to discontinue their education beyond school.

This year also, we continue to provide scholarships with a focus on education for girls, along with support to children from low-income or single-parent families. Notably, one of our former volunteers is now supporting a girl who recently lost her father, bringing the total count of kids being supported to 7. 

Our Motorbiking Expedition Kicked-Off

This year marked the exhilarating launch of our motorbiking expedition ‘Ride the Himalayan Dream’, led by none other than our dedicated team member, Deepak. The success of this inaugural trip can be seen in the unforgettable memories and new connections created.

Our Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Positive Change

Our invaluable volunteers are the heart of transformative change in Spiti who actively contribute to our initiatives and cause-driven enterprises. Their dedication and involvement truly make our world go round.

Sol Café - our Café with a Cause:

Sol Cafe in Kaza brews more than just coffee; it's a cosy retreat where speciality teas, handmade chocolates, and global bakes converge. Nestled in a warm ambience, it's not just about the delectable treats but the connections made among travellers here.

Thanking each of our Sol volunteers for being part of the change: Misha, Gunjan, Akshay, Karthik, Utsa, Milan, Shreya, Rachna and Shweta.

Taste of Spiti - our fusion Restaurant:

Taste of Spiti is a culinary bridge between Spiti's traditional flavours and global cuisine. The goal is not just to serve food but also to share and promote the unique ingredients and cuisine of Spiti.

Thanking each of our volunteers for being part of the change: Vidhi, Sonali, Rohit and Apeksha

Create for a Cause

Our volunteers of creative heads helped us creatively document Ecosphere and MUSE initiatives in Spiti along with shaping our social media strategy and helping in creating souvenirs for our merchandise. Our warm gratitude to Shraddha, Prachi, Rashmi, Aishwarya and Erin.

Be a Changemaker

This program harnesses the skills of our volunteers, channelling their learning to create a positive impact on communities. A heartfelt thanks to Saneeya for being an integral part of this change. 

Farming Feats

Spiti relies heavily on agriculture, but the harsh desert climate allows only one crop annually. Farmers work tirelessly in the short summers, as their entire year's livelihood hinges on this effort. With a small population, every helping hand is precious to them!

Thank you Chethan and Dhivya for lending a helping hand in the agricultural practices.

Celebrating and Creating Memories

Adding a touch of celebration to our journey, we organized a special trip to Chandratal during summer, where our staff and volunteers came together to celebrate birthdays and joyous moments. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Chandratal, we shared laughter and stories.

Bidding Adieu

A heartfelt goodbye is extended to Dhruv, our former social media manager. Dhruv's journey with us comes to a close as he embarks on a new chapter, having successfully gained admission to Columbia University. We couldn't be prouder of his achievements. Thank you, Dhruv, for being a part of the Ecosphere family!

A Warm Welcome to Our New Team Members

Meet our newest staff members: Tashi, Head Chef at Sol Cafe; Angdui, Assistant Chef at Taste of Spiti; Dhawang, Helper at our hotel Osel Rooms; and Tanisha, our Social Media Manager. Welcoming them to the Ecosphere family, where each brings their talents to enrich our team!

Features 

Ishita, the founder of Ecosphere, has been selected for the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10K Women program. This noteworthy recognition stands as a testament to Ishita's leadership, dedication, and the impactful work she has championed at Ecosphere. We take immense pride in this achievement.

Partners

What we do in Spiti would not be possible without the support of our incredible partners. We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to:

• Adit Foundation 
• Alfa Biomed India Pvt Ltd 
• Colgate India
• Earthy Hues Tours 
• Eicher Group Foundation 
• Sirona 
• University of Utah 
• Unwild Planet Travels 

Individual Supporters of Our Initiatives

A heartfelt thank you to these invaluable individuals whose generosity and support have been the driving force behind the success of our transformative initiatives. 

• Adrian Sequeira 
• Ankur Sharma 
• Aswin Kumar 
• Bikers for India 
• Gayatri Subramanium 
• Manas Sharma  
• Manish Rejhwani 
• Surbhi Sharma  
• Swapnil Walimbe  
• Vijnesh Kumar 
• Vineeta Sajlan

2023 will be etched in our memories as a chapter of growth, compassion, and impactful change. Here's to a remarkable year behind us and the promising journey that lies ahead in 2024.

2022 - A year of rebuilding ourselves!

If the recent years have taught us something, it’s that life is unpredictable and all you need is faith, strength and the will to come back stronger. 2022 was the year when we got back on our feet after two long years of the ongoing pandemic.

We continued to move forward with our passion for sustainability, mountain travel, and commitment to making a difference in the valley with our development projects, travel and volunteer programs running in full swing where we hosted some of the most talented and dedicated folks across the country!

A quick glance at how we were able to leave a positive impact with our interventions -

• 8000+ dental treatments undertaken across rural India - Spiti and Chhattisgarh
• 1 Solar Water Pump installed
• 14 Solar Passive Rooms built
• 5 scholarships provided
• 300+ stray dogs fed through the winter
• Support to traditional systems of healing & health. 

Taking Oral Health to the next level

Oral health is severely ignored in most parts of rural India and more so in Spiti, due to the limited access to treatments and oral health education. 

We started our Saving Smiles program in 2021 with the objective to make dental treatments accessible to all along with a focus on oral health education, across Spiti and Chhattisgarh. 

In 2022, we organized free dental camps across the villages of Demul, Dhankar, Pin, Losar, Lingti, Kaza Public School and in the interiors of Chhatisgarh, treating 5000+ patients with our dental team undertaking 8000+ treatments. 

A hands-on Oral Health Education camp was organized for the students of Kaza Public School by our dental team and volunteers. The camp was a huge success and our team of dentists also administered sealants to prevent further caries in the kids teeth. 

Year-round access to water for 1 more village

Water sources are significantly far from most villages in Spiti - especially in the winter when most water sources freeze over. Villagers have to walk for kilometres every day in sub-zero temperatures just to get a 20-liter can of drinking water or water for cooking, household activities, livestock and personal hygiene.

To make this arduous task slightly easier and to provide equitable access to water we’ve been setting up solar water pumps in Spiti since the last few years. This year, we set up a solar water pump in another village - Quiling!

Solar Passive Rooms for 14 families

Did you know that temperatures can go as low as - 30 degrees in the peak winters in Spiti? Staying warm during the winters isn't easy. The locals have devised ways whereby the whole shifts into one room - the kitchen - which becomes the centre of all the activities in a local Spitian home as it’s really difficult to keep all the rooms heated, especially when burning fuelwood is the only way to generate heat. 

Fuelwood however is brought all the way from Manali or further away. This turns out to be very heavy on one’s pocket apart from the tonnes of carbon emissions it creates. 

To make the lives of locals easier, we’ve been using an environment and pocket-friendly solution - Solar Passive Rooms over the years. These rooms absorb and retain solar heat longer using affordable technologies improving access to reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy for local communities and reducing dependence on expensive carbon-emitting fuel wood.

This also leads to the reduction of cold and smoke-related illnesses and people are able to spend more time on various income-generating activities such as creating handmade socks, shawls, etc.

In 2022, we set up 14 passive rooms in Demul, Langza, Rama, Lingti, Lidang, Rangrik and Shego helping to stay warm without burning tons of wood.

Access to Nutrition through the year for 6 families

The six-month long winter brings numerous challenges along with it, one of them being no access to fresh vegetables and nutrition as roads to most villages get snowed in. Also, most of the vegetables available during the winters are centered around the urban areas and not accessible to villagers in remoter areas.

This year, we built 6 more greenhouses in the villages of Lidang, Demul & Shego providing access to green vegetables through the year.

Access to Education 

Education in the rural villages of Spiti is a luxury many families cannot afford. Even though Government schooling is largely free, the quality of education is not good and parents prefer sending their kids to private schools in Kaza. In Spiti, it's also common practice for youth to opt for a monastic way of life. We’ve been providing scholarships for many years now to support single parents or low-income families to provide their children with quality education or the option of joining a monastic way of life.

This year too, scholarships were being provided to 6 kids from Pin, Poh, Komic, Demul and a nun from Lhalung!

Animal Welfare 

Winters in Spiti are not just difficult for the people but also for our little friends who struggle to find enough food to survive and get through these extreme weather conditions. Kaza has the maximum number of dogs, and unlike in summer when a lot of restaurants, hotels, etc. are open due to the active tourism season, in winter, there is limited to no food available - leading them to either starve or even worse eat the weaker ones or the little pups for survival.

Along with the amazing women of Menthok Self Help Group, we continue with our Winter Dog Feeding Program feeding 300+ strays through the winter. 

Why do we run this program?

Extreme hunger apart from the obvious, also causes the dogs to start attacking and hunting livestock or wildlife and at times even humans. Feeding them helps to prevent them from turning wild and makes them more amiable and easier to catch for neutering in order to control their population.

Responsible Tourism in Lahaul 

We’ve been running responsible tourism initiatives in Spiti for the last two decades, giving travelers the opportunity to leave an everlasting positive impact on the culture, environment and economy of Spiti Valley. This year, we collaborated with the Eicher Goodearth Foundation to look at possible responsible tourism interventions in the Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh. 

Support to Amchi 

The traditional system of medicine practiced in Spiti finds its roots from the art and science of Tibetan medicine, also known as ‘Sowa Rigpa’. This is one of the world’s oldest known forms of traditional medicine. 

The Amchis (traditional doctors) spend their lives mastering the understanding and use of rare, highly adaptive plants and herbs that grow in the Himalayas from which they make their medicines. They diagnose illnesses by reading the pulse and urine analysis. We supported Chhering Norbu (a traditional Amchi of great repute in the valley and also part of our team) to procure herbs so he could continue treating 100’s of patients across Spiti.

Volunteers make our world go round!

We started our volunteering programs in May this year where we hosted a talented pool of folks across the country who got involved in our various initiatives or cause-driven enterprises. They helped us in:

Sol Café - our Café with a Cause:

Spiti saw a strong inflow of tourists from May this year. Our Sol Café was up and running with intrepid travellers from across the globe with a delightful aroma of coffee and stories of people from different walks of life filling in the atmosphere. 

Thank you to each of our Sol Volunteers who made this possible: Nida, Simran, Shreyas, Jatin, Radhika, Rishabh, Shruti and Geetika.

Taste of Spiti - our fusion Restaurant: 

Tate of Spiti - a restaurant in the bylanes of Kaza offering a fusion of traditional Spitian food and world cuisine. Promoting the local food, an insight into the culture, and the goodness of Spitian ingredients!

Thank you to each of our volunteers for their contribution: Dimple, Keerthana and Aishani. 

Create for a Cause and Internships:

Our team of creative talents helped us creatively document Ecosphere and MUSE initiatives in Spiti. Our warm gratitude to Avanti, Surya, Jocelyn and Sakshi.

Teaching in a nunnery:

Thank you Prarthana, Prachi, Charu and Poojitha for helping us bridge the gap between the rural and urban worlds by sharing your knowledge with the nuns here in Spiti and sprucing up their English and Computer skills.   

Farming Feats: 

Agriculture is the mainstay of Spiti’s economy however, it’s limited to only one crop a year due to the difficult climatic conditions the farmers face in this cold desert region. These farmers sweat their hearts out during the short summers as the entire year’s livelihood depends on it. The population being so small, every pair of helping hands is of great value to them! Thank you Meenakshi, Prashant, Durga and Aneeka for giving a hand and learning more about the unique agricultural practices. 

Features: 

• Felicitated with the Sustainable Tourism Award by The Better India

• Featured by the Tripoto Community, Outlook Traveller India, The Better India for our work in the sustainable tourism space. 

Partners:

What we do in Spiti would not be possible without the support of our incredible partners. We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to:

• Eicher Goodearth Foundation
• Sunlit Futures
• Grundfos Foundation
• Adna Global
• GHPL

2022 was a year of growth and learnings as we rebuilt ourselves after two long years of the pandemic. Looking at 2023 with a hopeful heart and the strength to move forward!