Trail-5 cleanup drive begins

The 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival (PMF), organised annually by Devcom-Pakistan to celebrate International Mountain Day, commenced with a successful cleanup drive at Margalla Hills Trail-5 on Sunday.

Over 100 enthusiastic students from various universities have joined hands to raise awareness about the preservation of mountain ecosystems and the significance of natural resource conservation.

International Mountain Day, observed globally on December 11, was established by the United Nations to highlight the critical importance of mountain ecosystems in supporting life on Earth. Mountains cover 22% of the planet's land surface and provide vital resources, including freshwater for half of humanity. The day also draws attention to the challenges facing mountain regions, including climate change, habitat loss, and the struggles of mountain communities.

Addressing the participants, the Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director and founder of Pakistan Mountain Festival, Munir Ahmed emphasised the critical role of mountain ecosystems in sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential services like clean water and air purification. "Mountains are life-support systems for millions of people globally. Protecting these ecosystems is not just a local responsibility but a global imperative," he said.

Ahmed also highlighted the role of PMF in raising awareness about these issues over the past 14 years. "Citizens can proactively play their role as the custodians of mountains. Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) with the support of citizens has played a significant role in keeping the Margalla Hills National Park. It should continue doing so. Devcom-Pakistan's mountain festival has become a platform to engage communities, especially youth, in conservation efforts while celebrating the rich cultural and ecological heritage of Pakistan's mountains. Through diverse activities such as cleanups, exhibitions, cultural performances, conferences and youth forums, we've worked to mainstream mountain challenges and bring them to the forefront of national discourse."

Rina Saeed Khan, Chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), reinforced the importance of the Margalla Hills National Park for Islamabad's rapidly growing population. "These hills are essential not just for their biodiversity but for the ecological services they provide, such as water retention, flood prevention, and temperature regulation. Protecting them is imperative for the city's well-being," she stated.

The cleanup drive also served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address threats to the Margalla Hills, including littering, encroachments, and unsustainable development.