ISLAMABAD: Participants at the concluding ceremony of the 21st National Children’s Mountain Conservation Meet highlighted the importance of environmental and ecological consciousness on Sunday.

The Adventure Foundation Pakistan hosted the ceremony at a local hotel in Islamabad.

The theme of this year’s meet was “Climate Change and Its Impact on Mountain Environment”, where children aged between 11 and 14 took part in a ten-day camp in the Siran Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

During the life-changing experience, the children faced the challenges of outdoor life, learned leadership skills, and participated in various nature studies that enabled them to undertake practical conservation projects in their own communities.

Ali Hasan Habib, President of the Adventure Foundation Pakistan, welcomed all participants and stakeholders. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, was the chief guest.

Aftab Rana, National Coordinator of the NCMC Meet Project, said, “Mountains represent an important landscape on planet Earth. They are a source of water, energy, and biological diversity.” He explained that mountain areas are fragile ecosystems and highly sensitive to global climate change.

Sharing the history of the NCMC, he said, “The United Nations declared the year 2002 as the International Year of Mountains to raise awareness about the importance of mountain ecosystems and promote sustainable development in mountain regions. We at Adventure Foundation Pakistan decided to launch a special project to engage our young generation in mountain conservation.”

Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy, highlighted the century-long cooperation between Italy and Pakistan in mountain and glacier conservation and research.

She said, “It is a matter of great pleasure for me to be part of the closing event of the 21st National Children’s Mountain Conservation Meet, which is a flagship programme of the Adventure Foundation Pakistan.”

She added, “In today’s world of digital technologies and overconsumption, it has become even more important to make an effort to keep young people in touch with Mother Earth. It is important to understand the natural rhythm, the changing of seasons, its beauty and its mystery, to get close to nature and to our God—to understand the true meaning of life.”

Echoing the importance of environmental and ecological awareness, Ambassador Armellin said, “Participation in such a meaningful educational programme, gaining firsthand exposure to the wilderness environment, is a great experience for young people. Such activities make them conscious enough to take practical steps toward conserving and preserving the natural environment in their daily lives.”

The children who attended the meet were given the title of Eco-Guards to encourage them to play an active role in protecting the natural environment.

Ali Hasan Habib presented certificates to the participants and souvenirs of appreciation to the guests.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2025