KARACHI: WWF-Pakistan welcomed the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s move to protect national parks and conserve biodiversity in Pakistan.
Commenting on PM Khan’s speech regarding the Protected Areas Initiative of the government, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan said that it was the right time to take practical steps for the protection of national parks and improve green spaces in urban areas.
He said that the establishment and effective management of protected areas was essential to conserve the unique natural heritage of Pakistan that can help ensure sustainable supply of vital ecosystem services and decrease the adverse impacts of climate change.
He also said that with loss of habitat for wildlife and reduction in green belts, the PM’s commitment to protect national parks and address climate change was a welcome move.
He also appreciated that the PM took note of promoting ecotourism, which was vital for the well-being of local communities and the national economy.
He urged that all types of haphazard constructions should be stopped and sustainable development initiatives should be introduced without compromising the environment.
WWF-Pakistan urged that in order to be part of the global system of Protected Areas, it was imperative that the sites or areas included in the national list of Protected Areas meet the globally recognized criteria for their establishment and management.
Moreover, laws should be revised in terms of the fines and penalties imposed on poaching, illegal wildlife trade, infrastructure development, unsanctioned logging and encroachment on forested land.
