ISLAMABAD: A new civil award for ‘environment’ has been approved by the government on a recommendation from the Ministry of Climate Change, due to the significance of environmental protection and conservation.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Climate Change Minister Zahid Hamid said: “Climate change is a real global threat which has been also impacting Pakistan with increased and frequent extreme climate events like devastating floods and intense heat wave incidents experienced in recent years. However, the creation of the civil award in the ‘environment’ category will help recognise unprecedented efforts of the recipient individuals, institutions and organizations towards addressing these environmental and climate change issues in Pakistan.”

He said the country is estimated to suffer a loss of Rs1 billion a day due to climate change. He highlighted deforestation, land degradation, massive air, water and land pollution and the loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity as Pakistan’s major environmental issues.

“In light of such massive threats, numerous individuals and organisations are striving and making efforts to deal with impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, which must be recognised at the state level,” he said.

Country faces loss of Rs1bn a day due to climate change, minister says

He also discussed incidents in the last few years in which at least three people died fighting timber and mangrove mafias, including a forest guard and two community workers.

“Others have been promoting renewable energy, environmental education, forestation, water conservation and other similar efforts to save the planet.”

Mr Hamid also noted the importance of civil awards given at the state level in recognition of contributions in a given field and said prestigious awards given in most countries recognised the efforts undertaken by individuals and organisations in any particular field or endeavour as well as significant achievements. He added that awards also inspire others to undertake similar efforts.

Mr Hamid said: “The prime minister has approved a new distinct category of civil awards for environment, keeping in view the importance of saving the environment.”

He added that this would add to the list of Pakistani civil awards given in fields of engineering, public service, science, gallantry, sports, education, medicine, health, literature, special athletes, the arts and journalism.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2017