GILGIT: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Wendy Gilmour has said that Gilgit-Baltistan offers opportunities in winter tourism, and that there is need to promote responsible tourism in the region to mitigate impact on environment.

She said the Canadian government would continue to promote responsible tourism and mitigate climate change effects in GB.

She made the remarks during a visit to the Glof-II office in Gilgit on Wednesday. First Secretary Emilie Milroy also accompanied her.

The coordinator Glof-II briefed her about the project and its objectives and background. He said the project was a continuation of the four-year ‘Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glof in Northern Pakistan’ (Glof-I) project to help the vulnerable communities to prepare for and mitigate Glof risks through early warning systems, enhanced infrastructure and community-based disaster risk management.

The Glof-II coordinator highlighted the opportunities given to the youth under the internship programme to help them enhance knowledge of the professional world.

Ms Gilmore appreciated the efforts of the project team and the implementing units for incorporation and documentation of indigenous knowledge like glacial grafting and community engagement.

Earlier, she visited Khyber Gojal Hunza and trained the local youth in ice hockey and other ice sports to promote winter tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. She also participated in the traditional Wakhi festival “Kitdhit” in Gulmit Hunza.

Addressing a gathering in Gulmit polo ground, she stressed the need to promote responsible tourism in order to minimise its impact on environment.

She appreciated local community’s efforts for preserving heritage and promoting ecotourism.

“I really enjoyed winter games in Hunza,” she said.

Kitdhit festival is celebrated to mark the end of winter and welcome spring.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2021