ISLAMABAD: Key stakeholders on Wednesday reaffirmed complete commitment to wildlife conservation at an event organised to mark the World Ranger Day at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The speakers underscored the collective resolve to protect and preserve Pakistan’s rich biodiversity and wildlife habitats for future generations.

The event showcased wildlife photos by an internationally known Pakistani wildlife photographer, Jamal Leghari, launching of a book by the late Zahid Baig Mirza and screening of a documentary ‘The Silent King’, on the snow leopard.

The key segment of the ceremony was the inaugural Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards, where efforts of wildlife protection champions were celebrated.

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Snow Leopard Foundation and Devcom-Pakistan with the support of Snow Leopard Trust, Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, PNCA and the provincial wildlife and forest departments of Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PM’s Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam was the chief guest. Guests included Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Head of Climate Change at the British High Commission in Pakistan Anna Balance, Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas and Senator and Wildlife Ambassador Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari.

The Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards honoured six wildlife guards, watchers and rangers.

Range Forest Officer of the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department Sarmad Shafa won the Snow Leopard Award in the national category. Faizan Dukhi, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, and Kamaluddin, Wildlife Inspector of the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department won the Ibex Award and the Blue Sheep award for their conservation and protection efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Two efficient officers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, the Wildlife Ranger Syed Mussadiq Ali Shah and the Deputy Ranger Wildlife Zaid Ahmad were declared winners of the Markhor Award and the Wolf Award respectively.

The Musk Deer Award was earned by Jan Mohammad Nasir, Game Watcher, AJK Wildlife Department. All the awardees were also presented with a souvenir, an appreciation certificate, a field kit and cash prices of Rs150,000 for the national award winner and Rs100,000 for the rest of the five regional award winners.

Ms Alam highlighted the indispensable role of wildlife guards, watchers and rangers in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.

She emphasised the importance of their dedication and bravery in combatting wildlife poaching and preserving ecosystems.

“Today, we recognise six exemplary wildlife protectors from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. These individuals have shown extraordinary courage and dedication in protecting our precious wildlife and natural habitats,” she said.

Wildlife Ambassador Sardar Mohammad Jamal Khan Leghari said: “Through my lens, I have brought to life the grace of the soaring raptors, the stealth of the prowling big cats, and the vibrant colours of the endemic bird species that call Pakistan home.”

Snow Leopard Foundation Director Dr Mohammad Ali Nawaz said: “The global illegal wildlife trade has surged to become the fourth-largest black market, with an estimated worth of at least $20 billion per year.”

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2024