GILGIT: The World Wildlife Day was celebrated in Gilgit on Friday to raise awareness of the ecosystem of Gilgit-Baltistan and protection of wildlife among students.

In this regard, WWF-Pakistan in collaboration with Gilgit-Baltistan Forest, Wildlife and Environment Department and Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit, organised an event at the school.

The purpose of event was to raise awareness of world’s forests and woodlands and preservation of the millions of livelihoods that depend directly on them, with a particular attention to traditional knowledge of the communities who have managed forest ecosystems and wildlife.

Two short documentary films were screened by WWF-Pakistan highlighting the snow leopard protection and conservation of Himalayan ibexes.

Imtiaz Ahmed, a wildlife filmmaker, shared the news of capturing a rare footage of snow leopard and its cubs in upper Hunza last week.

Art and painting competition was organised to engage and make the students aware of importance of the wildlife day. Alyaan Aleem secured first position, Alyaan Amin second and Alyaan Ahmed third position in the painting competition.

GB Assembly Deputy Speaker Nazeer Ahmed, who was chief guest at the event, awarded them a special shield for their outstanding performance. All other students were given certificates for their participation and creative work.

The deputy speaker also inaugurated plantation drive at the school. Speaking on the occasion, he said GB had mighty mountains, renowned glaciers, flora and fauna and diverse landscape. “All we need is to preserve and protect them for our future generations,” he said.

Haider Raza of WWF-Pakistan said they would continue efforts for a healthy environment in line with the SDGs.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2021