Plunging wildlife population

The latest WWF Living Planet Index has delivered sobering news that global populations of monitored species have dropped by more than 70% in just fifty years. The situation is most critical in Latin America and the Caribbean, where wildlife numbers have plummeted by an astonishing 95 per cent. This drastic reduction is a clear indicator of the widespread impact of habitat degradation and unsustainable exploitation of resources, which threaten ecosystems and species worldwide.

For Pakistan, this isn't a distant issue. Our nation's rich biodiversity is also at risk, and the findings should compel us to act. Habitat destruction and environmental degradation are decimating species that are essential to our own survival. With freshwater species experiencing the steepest global decline, Pakistan's already dire water crisis could worsen as ecosystems collapse and vital services. However, there is still hope. The WWF report highlights examples from Europe and North America where populations of some species have stabilised thanks to conservation efforts. Pakistan must heed these lessons and push for stronger conservation measures. Moreover, integrating sustainable development and resource use into national policies will ensure that conservation is not viewed as an obstacle to progress but as a pathway to a sustainable future.

Pakistan must focus on enforcing stricter environmental regulations and expanding protected areas, particularly in regions like the Indus River Basin and northern mountains. Sustainable agriculture practices, reforestation and pollution control are key areas where immediate action can help preserve biodiversity. International bodies must support conservation projects in biodiversity hotspots like Latin America, Africa and South Asia. Concerted efforts are required to maintain wildlife corridors for preservation and restoration of vital ecosystems, and nations that have been major contributors must provide reparations so that essential initiatives can be funded adequately.