Community Initiatives

Spiti is a stunning high-altitude cold desert nestled deep in the Himalayas.

But life in paradise comes with a catch. At average altitudes of 12,500 ft, the landscape here is arid, vegetation is scarce, and a six-month winter brings temperatures dipping as low as –30 degrees.

Livelihood options are limited and basic needs like food, water, electricity, and healthcare are difficult to access. More so in the winter months when everything freezes over and snowfall disrupts roads and power lines.

Building Sustainability since 2002

To address and find solutions to the pressing needs and challenges faced by the local community, MUSE, an NGO and Ecosphere, its social enterprise wing, have been working in Spiti since 2002 – long before this beautiful region was on the tourist map.

Balancing age-old mountain wisdom with looking into the future – our initiatives cover a broad spectrum and aim to create a synergy between the triple bottom line of economic empowerment, conservation and sustainable development contextual to Spiti’s ecosystem and culture.

What began in 2022 as an intervention to create additional livelihoods for local communities has grown over the years. Today, our work in encompasses a range of initiatives that address issues of climate change, access to water, education, healthcare, food & nutrition, reducing plastic pollution, and carbon reduction. Programs with a vision for the holistic and sustainable development of Spiti Valley.

Below is a chronological order of interventions through the years.

Our Partners

Over the years we have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of organizations that have helped us further our objectives.

Below are some of our technical and resource partners that have been instrumental and critical to the growth and progress of our various initiatives and programs.

Thank You!