The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) was felicitated at the International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS 2026) organised by the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) for its contribution to environmental conservation and restoration of Kashmir’s water bodies through its flagship initiative, Mission Ehsaas.
The recognition was presented by IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo during the conference, which brought together policymakers, scientists, researchers, government officials, civil society representatives and environmental practitioners to discuss nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo said the recognition belonged to the organisation’s volunteers and stakeholders who had demonstrated the role communities could play in restoring degraded ecosystems. He also appreciated the conference for bringing together science, policy, government institutions, academia and grassroots organisations to deliberate on practical conservation strategies for the Jhelum River Basin and the Himalayas.
Wangnoo, accompanied by NLCO core group members Er. Aijaz Naqshbandi and Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmad, also participated in the conference’s technical sessions.
During the conference, Wangnoo is scheduled to present a paper titled “Nature-Based Solutions for Our Water Bodies: A Community Perspective on Restoring Kashmir’s Water Heritage.” The paper calls for an integrated approach to restoring Kashmir’s water resources through community participation and institutional coordination.
It advocates restoration of traditional navigation routes, rejuvenation of springs, conservation of wetlands, scientific management of the Jhelum River Basin and revival of Anchar Lake under a dedicated conservation authority.
It also stresses sustainable catchment management, biodiversity conservation, water quality monitoring and long-term ecological planning to strengthen climate resilience.
The conference is continuing with technical sessions on climate resilience, river basin management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and financing mechanisms for nature-based solutions.
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