A reminder of the inextricable bond between people and the natural world, World Wildlife Day challenges us to consider our duty to preserve the remarkable wildlife that enhances ecosystems and our lives.
Pakistan is known for its captivating biodiversity, which includes the endangered dolphins of the Indus River, the majestic whale sharks of the Arabian Sea, and the elusive snow leopards of the Himalayas. These species are essential to preserving ecological balance, our environment, and our economy; they are not merely a part of our natural legacy.
In addition to acknowledging the vital role that wildlife species play in preserving robust ecosystems, sustainable economies, and human welfare, this year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the urgent need for creative financial mechanisms for wildlife conservation.
Our Green Pakistan Programme supports local communities with economic possibilities that discourage habitat damage and poaching, investing in a sustainable future for our people and the earth. As a signatory to the Convention on International trafficking in Endangered Species (CITES), laws prohibiting the illegal wildlife trafficking are strengthened. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination’s Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has also set up the Wildlife Rescue Centre to rehabilitate abused, injured, and orphaned animals with the goal of either reintroducing them into the wild or placing them in sanctuaries that meet their individual requirements.
Together with local communities, conservationists, and international partners, our government is stepping up its efforts to increase public understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays.
Together, let’s share our admiration for Pakistan’s stunning wildlife and carry out our obligations as responsible members of the international community.
