In celebration of World Environment Day, twenty organisations from around the country have been recognised for their exemplary efforts in promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The organisations were awarded with the newly instituted “Pakistan Environmental Awards” which are meant to recognise and appreciate the best environmental practices. The Awards highlighted the innovative approaches and significant contributions made by businesses, non-profits and educational institutions towards preserving our planet for future generations.
The ceremony was organised by Devcom-Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), different sub-national EPAs and industrial associations. It was held at the PNCA on Tuesday.
An overwhelming number of participants and audience members from diverse backgrounds attended the event. These included environmental activists, industry leaders, policymakers and members of the public.
There were 20 award winners, including the National Bank of Pakistan, Bank of Punjab, Fauji Cement Company Ltd, Bestway Cement Ltd, Giga Group, Stary Hydro, Balochistan Rural Support Programme, Snow Leopard Foundation, Murree Brewery, PTV World Morning Show, Centre for Climate Diplomacy, Pak-EPA, Mira Hydro and Laraib Hydro Power.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was the chief guest at the ceremony. The guests of honour included the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Belgium, Charles Delogne, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Netherlands embassy, Hajo Provo Kluit, Pak-EPA Director, General Farzana Altaf Shah and the PNCA Director General Ayub Jamali.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said “Today, as we celebrate World Environment Day, I am reminded of the immense beauty and richness of our natural heritage here in Pakistan. Our mountains, rivers, forests, and diverse ecosystems are not only a source of national pride but also vital to our health, prosperity, and well-being.”
“At the same time, we cannot forget the havoc that we have played with our natural resources. We need to adopt best practices and put every effort into the restoration of nature,” he pointed out.
Ambassador Charles Delogne, on his part, said, “I would like to thank Devcom for inviting me to the award ceremony and conference to promote good practices for environmental protection. Climate change is a reality and people know it better in Pakistan than elsewhere. But this concept must not lead to a lack of responsibility.”
He went on to say that the environment is everybody's business and that his field visits to Pakistan have shown that there is still a lot to be done, especially in waste management, air pollution control and waterways management.
Devcom-Pakistan, Executive Director, Munir Ahmed also spoke at the event. “Pakistan has achieved many milestones in the areas of environmental compliance, conservation and community engagement, which will be mainstreamed to inspire more folks and industries to follow the restoration of land and natural resources.”
The event proved to be a testament to the collective commitment towards achieving a greener, more sustainable world.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 5th, 2024.
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