06/12/2022
SALAMANDER FEST 2022
A ZERO WASTE EVENT
An event aiming at the conservation of Salamanders and raising awareness about environmental protection.
WHY the name “SALAMANDER FEST”?
The Himalayan Newt or Himalayan Salamander commonly known as “Gora” in the local language is one of the only two salamander species found in Indian Sub-continent and is also an endangered species on the verge of extinction. Sukhia Pokhri-Maneybhanjyang region is the natural habitat of these salamanders and we would like to take this event as a guidepost to the revival and protection of these Salamanders which are undeniably an important natural resource.
OVERVIEW
Salamander fest will be an annual fest which will be held in the region of Sukhia Pokhari-Maneybhanjyang. It will be a “ZERO WASTE AND PLASTIC FREE” event.
Team Salamander Fest aims to create awareness about our Himalayan salamander which is an endangered species and is on the verge of extinction. Other than that, we also aim to promote sustainable lifestyle, tourism and also guide our youth towards a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. “Sustainable” Lifestyle is the only thing that will help us to preserve our environment and ecosystem.
The Objective
To educate people about Salamander as well as the other endangered species of flora and fauna we will have to fulfill several other milestones through this event.
• Need #1: To educate promote and encourage people to create ZERO WASTE and PLASTIC FREE Environment
• Need #2: To promote local artists, culture, and music.
• Need #3: To provide a platform to our entrepreneurs.
• Need #4: To promote sustainable tourism by promoting eco-tourism and homestays.
• Need #5: To educate, promote and encourage people to live a sustainable and healthy lifestyle
About the Run
The Salamander Run is the first of its kind of event in the entire region, It is aptly named “Salamander Run” as it’s a initiative to create awareness about the Himalayan Salamander and also a healthy an sustainable lifestyle.
Our Salamander run route touches the hotspots of the salamander and it’s a run through beautiful and serene pine forests. This run event will not only pass through the hotspots of salamander but also passes through the belts which has potential to attract lots of tourists, also promotes the homestays and tourism of the region.
We have 3 categories of runs:
• Fun run (4km): From Lepcha Jagat to Sukhia Pokhari. Fun run will be for people from all age group.
• Half marathon (21km) : From Lepcha jagat-Majhidhura-Sukhia Pokhri-Maneybhanjyang-Simana-Ranghbhang-Sukhia Pokhari and ends at Jorpokhri
• Full Marathon (42km): From Lepcha jagat-Majhidhura-Sukhia Pokhri-Maneybhanjyang-Simana-Pashupati-Gopaldhara ,back to Sukhia via Simana and ends at Jorpokhri
Other Features of Salamander Fest
Apart from the runs, Salamander Fest will also feature several other events and an awareness program delivered by conservationists and researchers who will be present at the fest.
• Salamander Awareness program: We will have a set of experts and researchers who will present there awareness program at Jorpokhri and Sukhia Pokhri
• Salamander Music Fest Venue: This event will be held at Jorepokhri tourist lodge.
