Fighting climate change: AJK, Balochistan governments ink agreement
Forest depts to coordinate on research work on wildlife, fisheries.
MUZAFFARABAD:
The forest departments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Balochistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to share knowledge and research work on forestry, wildlife and fisheries with each other.
The MoU was signed by AJK Forest Minister Sardar Javid Ayub and Balochistan Forest Minister Obaidullah Jan on Saturday during a ceremony attended by several senior officials from both sides.
On the occasion, Jan said sharing knowledge and expertise with the forest department of AJK is a privilege for them as such initiatives will bridge the gap between the people of Balochistan and AJK.
“The thick forests of AJK are a source of inspiration for us and we will try to promote forestation drives in the hilly areas of our own province as well following the pattern of the AJK forest department,” Jan said.
The AJK minister said the forest department has taken the initiative of signing the MoU to highlight the importance of forests. “The agreement is proof that the role of forests in the preservation of ecological balance is vital and it is our collective responsibility to focus on forestation in the country. Without the joint collaboration, the rising issue of climate change will not be adequately addressed,” Ayub commented.
AJK Forest Secretary Farhat Ali Mir said besides the exchange of both forest officers and research teams, the MoU would also help promote national integration between Balochistan and AJK.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2014.
The forest departments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Balochistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to share knowledge and research work on forestry, wildlife and fisheries with each other.
The MoU was signed by AJK Forest Minister Sardar Javid Ayub and Balochistan Forest Minister Obaidullah Jan on Saturday during a ceremony attended by several senior officials from both sides.
On the occasion, Jan said sharing knowledge and expertise with the forest department of AJK is a privilege for them as such initiatives will bridge the gap between the people of Balochistan and AJK.
“The thick forests of AJK are a source of inspiration for us and we will try to promote forestation drives in the hilly areas of our own province as well following the pattern of the AJK forest department,” Jan said.
The AJK minister said the forest department has taken the initiative of signing the MoU to highlight the importance of forests. “The agreement is proof that the role of forests in the preservation of ecological balance is vital and it is our collective responsibility to focus on forestation in the country. Without the joint collaboration, the rising issue of climate change will not be adequately addressed,” Ayub commented.
AJK Forest Secretary Farhat Ali Mir said besides the exchange of both forest officers and research teams, the MoU would also help promote national integration between Balochistan and AJK.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2014.