Call for review of wildlife import impacts

Senator urges ministry to expand legislation to address ecological damage

ISLAMABAD:

Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, has called on the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to thoroughly evaluate the impacts of exotic wildlife and flora imports on the biosphere, extending beyond human health risks.

During a committee meeting, a detailed discussion took place regarding the "Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora (Amendment) Bill, 2024," introduced by Senator Shahadat Awan on September 2nd. Senator Rehman highlighted that despite CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) restrictions, exotic species are still being sold in Rawalpindi markets. She emphasised the need for a clear definition of exotic and invasive species to address legislative gaps.

"The spirit of CITES is to control the import and export of invasive species. The lack of a clear definition of invasive species represents a significant legislative deficit," she stated. Rehman urged the ministry to broaden the current legislation to address potential ecosystem damage caused by these imports.

The committee also discussed the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with Senator Rehman noting that while the targets are ambitious, progress has been unsatisfactory. "We are facing record global temperatures, exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold due to rising emissions," she said, calling for all senators and ministry officials to advocate these points in multilateral climate forums.

Additional Secretary Hammad Shamimi informed the committee that Pakistan has enacted national legislation under CITES. He cautioned that incorporating pathogens into the amendment could lead to confusion, as current definitions in the convention are already comprehensive.

The senator stressed that the amendment should encompass invasive species, including plants, animals, and pathogens, to address environmental and health risks effectively. He referenced the environmental damage caused by the removal of paper mulberry trees in Fatima Jinnah Park as a significant concern.

The committee members debated the need for clarity around the term "invasive," with some expressing concern that existing laws already cover these issues and that new amendments might lead to redundancy.