ISLAMABAD: Climate Change Minister Zahid Hamid, on Wednesday, assured full support to the Mountain Protected Areas Project’s management during the launching ceremony of the project.
He said, “Melting of the glaciers, pollution in Concordia and surrounding areas caused by an increase in tourism and mountaineering, enlistment of support of local communities for wildlife conservation, especially the Markhor and Snow leopard, and capacity building of the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest and Wildlife Department require our careful consideration.”
He also mentioned that “Green Pakistan Programme, which is being implemented all over the country, includes a component of 195 million for Gilgit Baltistan for a revival of wildlife resources”.
Gilgit Baltistan Planning Minister Iqbal Hassan, while appreciating the economic support from the Italian government, said that “Four parks established by the GB government, and Italian government’s aid to K-2 ECNR for the social and economic development of parks and Khunjerab National Park is the gateway to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).”
UNDP Country Director Ignacio Artaza said, “Pakistan has a beautiful landscape but it is fragile and needs to be protected. The government environmental resources are critical and humans are using much more resources than they are required”.
Italy Secretary of State Della Vedova said, “We strongly feel an association with Pakistan as Italy has also faced problems of glacier melting, and we appreciate the efforts of Pakistan to save environment”.
