ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam met a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and discussed measures to save houbara bustard from extinction by indiscriminate hunting.

“While the local houbara bustard has almost gone extinct, the Houbara Fund International (HFI) has offered to help revive its population,” Mr Aslam told Dawn after meeting Majed Al Mansoori, who headed the delegation of HFI.

According to the adviser, Pakistan and UAE will collaborate to reintroduce the Asian houbara bustard in its local habitat in Pakistan.

“The resident houbara bustard of Pakistan is at the edge of extinction. The UAE took its bloodline to its captive breeding centre in Abu Dhabi and is now reintroducing a number of captive bred birds into Pakistan’s local habitat,” he said.

However, conservationists argue that it will take several years to restore the population after captive bred houbara bustard are introduced into the wild.

Abu Dhabi reintroducing a number of captive bred birds in Pakistan’s habitat, PM’s adviser says

“Captive bred houbara bustard cannot be simply released in the wild and not looked after. They become easy prey to foxes, jackals and other predators.

“They also need to be introduced into the wild at the right time when migratory houbara bustard pass through Pakistan to ensure their survival,” a conservationist in the Ministry of Climate Change told Dawn.

World Wildlife Day event

Mr Aslam said Pakistan’s ecosystem was blessed with a rare breed of snow leopard. The protection and conservation of the ecosystem it lives in is among priorities areas.

He stated this while speaking at an event held in connection with the World Wildlife Day with particular focus on conservation of the endangered snow leopard.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and the Snow Leopard Foundation at FAST National University.

Mr Amin told the participants that Pakistan Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (PSLEP) programme launched by his ministry was among the three foreign funded projects that aimed at biodiversity and environment restoration in Pakistan.

“Through these projects, we are conserving the wildlife not just in Pakistan but also in the habitat areas,” he added.

He said the ministry would extend National Nature Internships to the youth to partake foreign funded projects aimed at environment conservation, wildlife protection and habitat restoration in the country.

The adviser congratulated the management and students of FAST University for contributing in the conservation efforts and launching the snow leopard mascot.

He emphasised working collectively to tackle the challenges of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems.

He also spoke about measures taken by the government to protect biodiversity and wildlife through ecotourism.

Mr Aslam said Prime Minister Imran Khan will soon launch the Green Youth Movement designed and structured for capacity building of the youth.

“The internship programme will help the youth join and learn from the foreign funded projects like PSLEP, Zero Emissions Metro Bus in Karachi and Climate Smart Agriculture.

“These projects are of high significance that will help increase their abilities and generate innovative ideas,” the adviser added.

Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Erik Beishembiev highlighted the importance of protecting snow leopards.

Tree plantation and a documentary highlighting the tourist aspect of the Kyrgyz republic were part of the event.

The adviser and the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan distributed mementos and certificates among diplomats participating in the event and students of FAST University who are members of Generation FAST Snow Leopard Foundation.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2020