GILGIT: WWF- Pakistan in collaboration with Karakoram International University Ghizer Campus, Department of Wildlife GB and Hatoon Youth Forum celebrated World Snow Leopard Day at Karakoram International University Ghizer Campus.
A large number of senior officials of the relevant departments, officials of the private sector and local communities, presidents of community organizations and students participated in the event.
A painting and model design competition was organized for the students of Karakoram International University Ghizer Campus and Degree College where the students showcased their best art and highlighted the importance of snow leopard through art and creativity.
The students of all the educational institutes showed their creativity on the chart sheet and with the help of colours and pencil sketching, the importance of snow leopard was highlighted.
Special shields and certificates were given to the position holders. The jury members were from WWF Pakistan, Wildlife department GB and faculty members of Karakoram International University.
Encouraging the students on this occasion, the speakers said that while the attractive painting on the theme of snow leopard is attracting people, it also shows the hard work, dedication and merit of the students.
It is hoped that apart from painting, the students will play their role in bringing public awareness about snow leopards at the ground level. They emphasised that students should be aware of this rare animal and give awareness in the community.
Director KIU Ghizer Campus, Dr. Maimona was the chief guest of the event. Ijaz Hussain, KNCF Project Coordinator, WWF Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, RFO wildlife department GB, Coordinator Communications WWF Pakistan, Nisar Ahmed, faculty members and students of the University discussed the importance of snow leopards in sustaining the ecosystem and the climate impacts on them. The challenges and risk to the snow leopard were also discussed.
Ejaz Hussain discussed the impact of climate change on natural resources, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said that the effects of climate change are more visible after the industrial revolution. Climate change, greenhouse effect and global warming phenomena and impacts of climate change in general are disturbing the habitat of snow leopard habitat.
He said natural resources are threatened by climate change, and climate change can be tackled through biodiversity conservation and environmental improvement activities.
Coordinator Communications WWF Pakistan, Nisar Ahmad explained the importance of the snow leopard and its role in the environment and said that the snow leopard is an integral part of our mountain ecosystem and plays an important role in bringing balance to the ecosystem. He said that we are currently going through a period of various types of calamities.
Most of these disasters are caused by climate change or in other words global warming. He commended WWF Pakistan for its community and research base initiatives and said that it is fully cooperating with institutions in the conservation of snow leopards and other related wild animals. He further said that we are living in a very fragile ecosystem and if we do not take care of our environment, the consequences can be disastrous. Support organizations working in this field to spread awareness about leopards and other related wildlife.
Students of the Karakoram International University and Government College gave presentation on their creative art and convinced the jury members on the importance of art for giving awareness on snowleopard conservation.
Director KIU-Ghizer Campus, Dr. Maimoona thanked all the participants in her closing remarks. She said that WWF-Pakistan has been working with KIU for a long time to protect wildlife and spread awareness about it. She said that we will continue to cooperate fully with everyone at all times for the protection of national natural assets.
APP
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