WWF-P lauds national parks initiativeD

Conserving country's biodiversity, natural habitats is crucial at this time, claim experts

Welcoming Prime Minister Imran Khan's move to protect national parks and conserve biodiversity in Pakistan, World Wildlife Fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF-P) director general Hammad Naqi Khan said this was the most crucial time for Pakistan to take practical steps towards protecting its national parks and improve green spaces in urban areas.

While launching the federal government's Protected Areas Initiative on Thursday, the PM requested that the provinces make serious efforts towards the protection of national parks and diverse climatic zones. Under this initiative, a total of 15 national parks will be protected. He also highlighted the growing challenge of climate change that is causing glacier melting in the country's northern areas.

Lauding the move, Hammad claimed the establishment and effective management of protected areas was essential to conserve the unique natural heritage of Pakistan, which could also help ensure the sustainable supply of vital ecosystem services and decrease the adverse impacts of climate change.

He added that the commitment to protect national parks was a welcome move given the loss of habitats for wildlife and the reduction of greenbelts.

Hammad also appreciated the PM's interest in promoting ecotourism, which he stated was vital for the well-being of local communities and the national economy.

"In order to promote ecotourism, all types of haphazard constructions should be stopped and sustainable development initiatives should be introduced without compromising the environment," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2020.