ISLAMABAD: A joint committee comprising the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF), and provincial wildlife departments has announced the six winners of the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards 2024.
The awards recognize significant contributions to wildlife conservation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 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 received the Ibex Award and the Blue Sheep Award, respectively, for their conservation efforts in Gilgit-Baltistan.
KP Wildlife Ranger Syed Mussadiq Ali Shah and Deputy Ranger Wildlife Zahid Ahmad were awarded the Markhor Award and the Wolf Award, respectively.
The Musk Deer Award was presented to Jan Mohammad Nasir, Game Watcher of the Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Department in AJK.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khursheed Alam, praised the winners for their dedication.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work of individuals and organizations at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Pakistan. Their efforts are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring future generations can enjoy our natural heritage,” she said.
Wildlife Ambassador Senator Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari emphasized the broader significance of wildlife protection.
“The importance of wildlife protection extends beyond preserving individual species. It is critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems that support local communities. Wildlife contributes to ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and soil fertility, all vital for agriculture and food security,” he stated.
Ashiq Ahmad Khan, a wildlife expert and senior committee member, highlighted the initiative’s goals.
“This initiative recognizes and rewards the outstanding efforts of our dedicated forest rangers. It underscores our commitment to protecting Pakistan’s forests and biodiversity and highlights the critical role that forest rangers play in this mission,” he said.
Dr. Mohammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, 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.”
