ISLAMABAD: A joint committee of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) and provincial wildlife departments has announced the six winners of Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2024.

The announcement recognises contributions to wildlife conservation across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative is supported by the British government’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF).

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

KP Wildlife Ranger Syed Mussadiq Ali Shah and the Deputy Ranger Wildlife Zahid 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, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department AJK. Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khursheed Alam praised the winners for their contributions.

“These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of individuals and organisations who are at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Pakistan. Their efforts are crucial in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural heritage of our country,” she said.

Wildlife Ambassador Senator Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari said: “The importance of wildlife protection extends beyond preserving individual species. It plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which in turn support local communities. Wildlife contributes to ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and soil fertility, all of which are vital for agriculture and food security.”

Ashiq Ahmad Khan, wildlife expert and senior member of the committee, said: “This novel initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding the outstanding efforts of our dedicated forest rangers. This programme underscores our commitment to protecting Pakistan’s forests and biodiversity and highlights the critical role that forest rangers play in this mission.”

Snow Leopard Foundation Director Dr Mohammad Ali Nawaz, added, “Wildlife conservation is not just about protecting animals; it’s about safeguarding our future. As we face the challenges of climate change, the resilience of our ecosystems becomes increasingly important.”

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2024