WHILE Sindh is rich in biodiversity, the reckless destruction of its forests and wild animals needs the provincial government’s intervention to protect the environment. Indiscriminate destruction of the flora and fauna continues in virtually every part of the province.

Today, many species of plants and animals in Sindh are either threatened or endangered and, at the same time, soil degradation, erosion and desert encroachment continue in various parts of the province.

Problems such as inadequate data on the status of biodiversity, uncoordinated land use policy, absence of well - defined programmes, inadequate funding and high poverty levels in the province remain the major constraints of the relevant department.

Indeed, one’s heart bleeds to visit and witness various specified areas because nothing has been done for public recreation, education and research.

Nothing has been done to provide access roads to construct rest - houses, hostels and other buildings in national parks, wherever they exist, along with amenities for the public.

However, the Sindh wildlife department is requested to encourage tours to important wildlife protected areas in the province for students, nature lovers, bird watchers, researchers and the public to see and enjoy wildlife in natural environment.

In order to improve forestry and wildlife management in Sindh, development of a proper legal and political framework for conservation management should begin. Other pragmatic measures include providing basic education on conservation for the people of the province.

There is also the need to address the issue of poverty by providing proper economic incentives to improve the well - being of the people around protected areas.

This should, however, go on hand in hand with the provision of adequate funding and staffing of protected areas in the province.

International organizations such as UNEP, WWF, IUCN and Heifer International must come forward to play their due role and save biodiversity, animals and forests in the province.

HASHIM ABRO Islamabad