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Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
WWF-Pakistan opposes snow leopards' transfer to Moscow
LAHORE: The proposed move to transfer the snow leopards from Gilgit-Baltistan to Moscow not only contradicts national and international conservation commitments but also risks setting a highly detrimental precedent for future transfer of threatened and iconic wildlife species from Pakistan. WWF-Pakistan stated this in a letter to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Government of Pakistan, on the proposed transfer of two snow leopards, currently housed at the Naltar Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, to the Moscow Zoo, Russia. WWF-Pakistan expressed its deepest concern and opposition to the move and demanded that the proposed export of snow leopards be immediately cancelled. The organization also called for reaffirmation of Pakistan's commitment to the conservation of its iconic wildlife species and emphasized upholding the obligations under international agreements. According to WWF-Pakistan, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), listed as a threatened (Vulnerable) species on the IUCN Red List (2017), receives the highest level of legal protection under Pakistan's national and provincial wildlife legislation, including that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the species is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which strictly prohibits international trade except under exceptional, non-commercial circumstances. It further said there is no compelling conservation rationale for transferring these snow leopards to Russia, a country that already hosts a significantly larger wild population of the species. WWF-Pakistan recommended that instead of exporting the country's unique natural heritage, Pakistan should demonstrate global leadership by reinforcing its commitment to conservation and the protection of its remaining wild snow leopard populations. The organization also highlighted the risk that once the snow leopards are transferred, it would be difficult to monitor or ensure the well-being of these animals under Russian jurisdiction. Remarking on the proposed move, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan, said that approval of this export would undermine decades of conservation progress and significantly damage Pakistan's standing in the global conservation community. This moment calls for reaffirming our stewardship of national biodiversity and strengthening the institutions responsible for its protection, rather than yielding to external pressures that compromise our long-term conservation goals. 'We need to uphold Pakistan's obligations under international agreements such as CITES and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) by prioritizing the protection of vulnerable and critically endangered species within national borders', Khan added. WWF-Pakistan strongly recommended steps to strengthen the Naltar Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre to function as a dedicated facility for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and veterinary care, equipped to manage future confiscations and care cases. It also asked for enhancing the capacity of the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department through targeted technical training, adequate financial support, and provision of essential operational equipment. The organization reiterated that Pakistan must set an example for other nations in ensuring the protection of the country's invaluable wildlife heritage. In the letter, WWF-Pakistan also expressed its commitment to supporting the Ministry in designing and implementing measures that advance wildlife conservation across Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Climate official calls for bird-friendly cities
Pakistan joined the global community on Saturday in marking World Migratory Bird Day 2025, highlighting the urgent need to protect migratory bird species and their habitats amid increasing urban threats. Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasised that safeguarding migratory birds is a shared national responsibility, calling on government bodies, civil society, and the public to take meaningful steps toward creating bird-friendly urban spaces. "Protecting migratory birds is not just about conserving wildlife. It's about safeguarding our environmental integrity, fulfilling international commitments, and ensuring a sustainable future," Shaikh said in a statement issued on Sunday. This year's WMBD theme, "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities," underscores the importance of transforming urban and suburban environments into safe havens for migratory birds. Events and awareness campaigns were held nationwide to promote this message. Pakistan is a key stopover for migratory birds, with nearly 70 percent of the country's 668 bird species undertaking seasonal journeys. The country lies along the Central Asian Flyway, making it a vital route for millions of birds migrating between Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, migratory birds face mounting threats, including rapid urbanisation, light pollution, habitat degradation, and the spread of glass buildings, which often cause fatal collisions. "These factors are severely impacting bird populations," Shaikh noted. "Creating awareness and enforcing bird-friendly urban planning practices, such as bird-safe glass and wetland preservation, is crucial." Shaikh also pointed to Pakistan's international obligations, including its status as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Express Tribune
04-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt engages US firm for carbon trading
Listen to article ISLAMABAD: A five-member delegation from Minus 2 Degrees (M2D), a US-based company specialising in carbon neutrality solutions, met with Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, at her office on Tuesday, according to a press statement. The meeting focused on carbon reduction strategies to address climate challenges and promote environmental sustainability. Alam emphasised that Pakistan's carbon trading policy guidelines mark a significant milestone in establishing a national carbon market. These guidelines, she stated, are crucial for attracting green investments and helping Pakistan meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. "This initiative encourages businesses to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy," Alam said. "By operationalising these guidelines, we align with international standards and position Pakistan as a leader in carbon trading." M2D presented a range of services focused on carbon neutrality, using advanced tools for emissions management and compliance with environmental standards. During the meeting, Alam called for collaboration with local and international stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of carbon trading guidelines. She underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in carbon credit generation. "This is a watershed moment for Pakistan's climate action journey," she remarked, urging developed nations to support emerging economies in leveraging carbon markets. The delegation presented a portfolio of proposed projects to foster collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and other stakeholders. These initiatives align with Pakistan's climate priorities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, transitioning to 60% renewable energy, and expanding nature-based solutions. Secretary of the Climate Ministry, Aisha Humera Moriani, encouraged the delegation to collaborate with the Board of Investment at the federal level and the Punjab government to promote net-zero carbon initiatives within the industrial sector. She also highlighted the importance of involving the business community in sustainability efforts. Moriani highlighted Bangladesh's economic zone dedicated to similar climate objectives as a model for Pakistan. She stressed the need for comprehensive strategies integrating environmental responsibility into economic development.
