ISLAMABAD: A pioneering livestock insurance scheme aimed at conserving Pakistan’s endangered common and snow leopards while supporting local livelihoods was launched here on Tuesday.

The initiative, spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) in collaboration with Jubilee General Insurance Company Limited, sought to address the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict in northern Pakistan.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the programme was signed at WWF-Pakistan’s Islamabad office. The pilot scheme would initially be rolled out in select areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), regions where livestock losses to leopard attacks had heightened tensions between local communities and wildlife.

A statement issued here by WWF said that this had often resulted in retaliatory killings of the big cats, threatening their already declining populations.

Under the scheme, livestock owners would receive insurance coverage for losses caused by wildlife attacks, offering financial relief and discouraging retaliatory harm to leopards. By ensuring financial security for farmers and herders, the programme aimed to promote coexistence and protect biodiversity in these ecologically vital areas.

“The launch of this insurance scheme represents a significant step in our mission to reduce human-wildlife conflict,” said Hammad Naqi Khan, who is Director General of WWF-Pakistan.

“This partnership not only supports wildlife conservation but also provides a safety net for communities living in close proximity to nature. It’s a win-win approach for both people and wildlife,” he added.

Azfar Arshad, who is COO of Jubilee General Insurance, highlighted the innovative nature of the programme.

“We are proud to partner with WWF-Pakistan on this landmark initiative. By securing livelihoods, we can reduce animosity towards wildlife and contribute to the long-term sustainability of both rural economies and biodiversity,” he said.

The scheme was expected to benefit rural communities significantly, mitigating financial losses and fostering a more harmonious relationship with wildlife.

By addressing the root causes of human-wildlife conflict, it lay the foundation for sustainable conservation efforts that protect endangered species while supporting local economies, said WWF.

This initiative represented a holistic approach to conservation, ensuring that humans and leopards could thrive in shared ecosystems. It was hoped that the success of this programme would inspire similar efforts in other regions facing similar challenges, ultimately contributing to the preservation of Pakistan’s rich natural heritage.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2024