ISLAMABAD: It is a matter of great pride that Pakistan has been selected to host the main event for World Environment Day (WED) this year, which will be observed on June 5.

This was highlighted by environmentalists during an online meeting. Members of the advisory body of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-Pakistan) from all provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir participated in the meeting.

Malik Amin Aslam, special assistant to the prime minister on climate change and IUCN vice president and regional councilor, appreciated the services of Aban Marker Kabraji towards the environment and sustainable development. He said she started from scratch and expanded the network of IUCN offices in the entire region. He also congratulated Dr Dindo Campilan, IUCN regional director Asia and Oceania, in his new role. Pakistan National Committee of IUCN member organisations is a vibrant group working for the environment in the country, he added.

Awareness about nature doubled during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Aslam pointed out. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is also set to kick off on WED. The theme for this year is ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ which is relevant to Pakistan and the initiatives that the government was engaged in. “During the celebrations, participation of world leaders is expected. It is going to be a large function, keeping in view SOPs and social distancing,” he said.

Dr Campilan appreciated the historic and strategic role of IUCN-Pakistan as the union started its operations in the region from Pakistan. He congratulated Pakistan on hosting the WED event in a few days and expressed hope that the celebration will be successful. Pakistan has expertise and resources from which the entire region could benefit, he added.

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Dr Roomi S. Hayat, chairperson IUCN Pakistan National Committee said Dr Campilan’s new role as regional director will be a positive step and would help the union towards achieving its goals.

Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, IUCN country representative said IUCN Pakistan was implementing various projects in collaboration with IUCN members. He said that IUCN Pakistan is planning to organise various events that highlight the importance of WED.

Retired senator Javed Jabbar appreciated the efforts of Pakistan National Committee towards conservation and on behalf of Baanhn Beli and Strengthening Participatory Organisation, offered support for the WED celebrations.

Afia Salam, president of Baanhn Beli briefed members about the visit of IUCN members and commission members to observe the ecological status of Bundal Island.

Participants learnt about challenges of food security in the country including slow growth and stagnant production figures of key crops mainly wheat, rice, cotton, maize, potato, livestock and fisheries etc., They were informed that unprecedented level of informal trade of produce to neighboring countries took place, which was a loss. Pakistan is the only South Asian country where nutritious diets and food security is not considered a basic human right. There is also a lack of efficient mechanisms for food pricing and governance.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2021