Lack of interest of provinces delays wildlife policy

Sources say climate change ministry shared draft months ago

ISLAMABAD: Owing to the lack of interest on part of the provinces, the national wildlife policy could not be given final shape to be presented in the cabinet or the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for approval.

The draft will be presented after incorporating the input of stakeholders, including the provinces, on the policy draft.

According to sources, the climate change ministry has prepared the draft of the national wildlife policy for the protection of wildlife and its promotion. While the draft was prepared six months ago, the ministry had decided to make the policy more comprehensive, thus making changes to the draft.

It has also sent copies of the draft to the provinces over two months ago in order to solicit and incorporate their input but the provinces weren’t forthcoming with their input.

Sources said that the policy draft could not be given final shape owing to the delay in advice and input from provinces and stakeholders.

According to officials of the climate change ministry, as soon as comments from other provinces are received, the draft will be given final shape and presented in the cabinet or the CCI.

It is pertinent to note here that in the compiled wildlife policy draft shared a few months ago, the ministry had recommended strict enforcement of the laws in view of the threats faced by the wildlife species and their habitat due to illegal hunting and poaching carried out in different ways in the country. It also called for enactment of stricter laws in this regard.

The draft lays special emphasis on the protection of the wildlife and species faced with the threat of destruction and extinction. It also calls for regular zoological survey to identify and monitor the different species of wildlife inhabiting the country along with a comprehensive report on each species preferred habitat.

It also tackles issues including those pertaining to protection of wildlife facing destruction and its promotion, protection of migratory birds, protection of wildlife sanctuaries, trophy hunting, wildlife population, urban wildlife, zoos and safari parks as well.