Latest news with #WWF-Pakistan
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Call for action on marine turtle conservation
"Despite being recognised globally, marine turtles still struggle to receive the attention, funding, and space they deserve in broader marine policy and planning. Turtle conservation is most effective when it builds on what is already working on the ground, not when it imposes top-down models disconnected from reality". WWF-Pakistan stated this in its press release issued on World Turtle Day observed on May 23. The organisation also called for coordinated efforts and actions across the political and geographic borders to conserve the migratory turtle species. The organisation urged that many conservation programmes continue to prioritise nesting beaches, often neglecting foraging areas, migratory corridors, and offshore hotspots, even though these are often the sites of greatest threat. WWF-Pakistan also urged the transnational coordination and integration of local and indigenous knowledge into governance systems to protect marine turtles. According to WWF-Pakistan, the migratory nature of the marine turtle makes them inherently a shared species, not in ownership, but in responsibility. What happens to a turtle in one country's waters (e.g., bycatch, habitat loss, pollution, climate change) affects the population across the region. In Pakistan, turtles are facing several threats, including habitat degradation, anthropogenic and shoreline development activities, which hinder the nesting activities of turtles.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Markhor population sees positive trend
"With capacity-building programmes and engagement of local communities in conservation initiatives, a positive population trend has been observed in the Markhor species". WWF-Pakistan stated this on World Makhor Day while appreciating the conservation efforts of local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the organisation, close coordination between conservation organisations, government departments and local communities has resulted in an increase in the Markhor species and their habitat range in Pakistan. In June 2024, WWF-Pakistan, in collaboration with Pakistan Post, issued stamps showcasing the Kashmir markhor. According to WWF, the markhor species in Pakistan faces numerous threats that jeopardise its survival. However, the involvement of communities has improved the habitat and population of these species. The markhor, declared the national animal of Pakistan, is a large wild goat species native to South Asia and Central Asia, mainly existing in Pakistan, India, the Karakoram range, parts of Afghanistan and the Himalayas. Since 2015, it has been classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Often based on their horn configuration, the markhor has been divided into five sub-species, namely Astor markhor, Bukharan markhor, Kabul markhor, Kashmir markhor and Suleiman markhor. Remarking on the day, WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan lauded the efforts of local communities in the protection of the Markhor species and highlighted the need for transnational conservation efforts to safeguard their future.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
WWF-Pakistan for conserving migratory turtle species
KARACHI: Despite their global recognition, marine turtles continue to be overlooked in marine policy and planning, often missing out on the attention, funding, and protection they urgently need, the WWF-Pakistan said on Friday. The most successful conservation efforts come not from imposed top-down strategies, but from building on grassroots initiatives that are already making a difference on the ground. WWF-Pakistan highlighted the issue on World Turtle Day, which is observed on 23 May. The organization also called for coordinated efforts and actions across the political and geographic borders to conserve the migratory turtle species. The organization urged that many conservation programs continue to prioritize nesting beaches, often neglecting foraging areas, migratory corridors, and offshore hotspots, even though these are often the sites of greatest threat. WWF-Pakistan also urged the transnational coordination and integration of local and indigenous knowledge into governance systems to protect marine turtles. According to WWF-Pakistan, the migratory nature of the marine turtle makes them inherently a shared species, not in ownership, but in responsibility. What happens to a turtle in one country's waters (e.g., by catch, habitat loss, pollution, climate change) affects the population across the region. In Pakistan, turtles are facing several threats, including habitat degradation, anthropogenic and shoreline development activities, which hinder the nesting activities of turtles. The feral dogs, in particular, are known to dig turtle nests and destroy eggs; which is also considered one of the serious threats to nesting areas along the coastline of Pakistan. Increasing pollution, especially the release of solid and single-use plastic waste and ghost nets, also adversely affects the sea turtle population, both for juvenile and adult turtles. The impact of climate change on the nesting habitat is poorly studied, along with inadequate hatchery management and rehabilitation facilities for the turtles. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor, WWF-Pakistan, said that entanglement in the fishing nets is the most serious threat to the marine turtles in coastal and offshore waters. To address this issue, WWF-Pakistan initiated an awareness programme in 2012 and trained over 100 fishers to safely release the entangled turtles in gillnets. This has resulted in the safe release of thousands of turtles and other threatened marine animals in the past thirteen years. He also emphasized that all stakeholders should join hands to conserve marine turtles in Pakistan. Shoaib Abdul Razzaque, Coordinator Marine Conservation, WWF-Pakistan, said that marine turtles do not fit neatly into the conservation boxes we often work with. They cross international boundaries, rely on different habitats at different life stages, and face threats that vary across geography and time. He also said that nesting, juvenile development, feeding, and migration happen in different places, and often in different countries' waters. Yet, much of our conservation planning still treats these turtles as if they only exist where they nest. 'The survival of marine turtles depends on how well we work together across borders, institutions, and sectors', Razzaque added. Marine turtles are flagship and priority species that inhabit our coastal and offshore waters. Five species of marine turtles are found across major parts of the world's oceans, and all five have been recorded in Pakistan's coastal and offshore waters. The green sea turtle is the most reported marine turtle and is known to nest on key sandy beaches along the coastline of Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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
21-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Empowering varsity students to lead Green Revolution
Pakistan is facing a climate crisis unlike anything seen before. From catastrophic floods and scorching heatwaves to choking pollution and biodiversity loss, the signs are clear - our environment is in great threat. But amidst these formidable challenges lies a powerful force for change: the youth of Pakistan. With over 64% of the population under the age of 30, young people are not just the future - they are the present. They are already feeling the effects of environmental degradation and will bear its long-term consequences. But they are also uniquely positioned to lead us toward solutions - if we empower them. The place to start? Our universities. Higher education institutions are more than just places of learning - they are platforms for transformation. And now more than ever, they must evolve to help students become the changemakers our planet needs. A recent project brought together students from 15 universities across Pakistan to ask a simple but profound question: how can higher education support environmental sustainability? This project employed a qualitative and participatory approach led by an undergraduate student at University College London (UCL) with the Environmental Education team of WWF-Pakistan. The participants came from different universities across Pakistan including the Institute of Business and Management in Karachi; the University of Punjab Lahore; Khawaja Fareed University, Rahim Yar Khan; and University of Sindh, Karachi. They were studying or had recently graduated from a diverse range of disciplines such as Business Management, Electrical Engineering, English Literature and Environmental Sciences. Four participatory workshops were conducted with around 80 young. The workshop posed open-ended questions and a group activity for the young people to share their understandings of sustainability, experiences of learning and extra-curricular activities in university as well as their priorities for environmental sustainability in higher education. Their answers were thoughtful, practical and full of energy. Their message was clear: youth are ready to lead the green revolution. Here's how we can support them. Teaching Sustainability in Every Subject One of the strongest demands from students was to make sustainability a core part of every degree programme. Whether studying business, engineering, or literature, students want to understand how climate change affects them and how they can help. They asked for a holistic curriculum that weaves environmental issues into every subject. They want practical learning - not just lectures, but real projects like planting trees, reducing waste, or engaging with communities. And they want their courses to be up-to-date, with local examples of climate impacts, like floods in Sindh or forest fires in the North. Importantly, students stressed that teachers need training too. Faculty members must feel confident teaching about climate change if they are to inspire students to take action. Building Sustainable Campuses Beyond the classroom, students want universities to practice what they preach. They dream of campuses that are clean, green and powered by renewable energy. They suggested banning single-use plastics on campus; installing solar panels and water conservation systems; creating student-led green clubs and sustainability committees; and rewarding low-carbon lifestyles with fee discounts or awards. They also called for stronger accountability - rules that ensure everyone, from students to administrators, follows sustainable practices. Connecting with Communities Students don't want to keep their knowledge within university walls. They want to take it to the streets, the fields, the markets. They believe every degree should include community service - real projects that help solve local environmental challenges. They want universities to partner with civil society, NGOs, religious leaders and local governments to raise awareness and promote climate action. They also asked that research be shared in local languages so more people can benefit from it. Youth Leadership, Not Just Participation What's most inspiring is that students don't want to be told what to do - they want to lead. They want seats at the table where decisions are made. They want to shape sustainability policies, plan activities and monitor progress. This isn't just about giving them a voice - it's about giving them the power to act. The Time for Action Is Now Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. We can no longer afford to wait for top-down solutions. We need a grassroots revolution - and our university students are ready to lead it. Universities must therefore rise to the occasion. They must become models of sustainability, empower students as climate leaders and extend their impact to the wider society. Let's support our youth in turning classrooms into launchpads, campuses into models of sustainability and degrees into good deeds for the planet. Let's empower them with the tools to lead and let the transformation begin. The green revolution won't come from policy papers alone. It will come from the bold ideas, restless energy and hopeful hearts of young Pakistanis. Let them lead.
