PESHAWAR, Jan 22: The government is working to set up a biological conservation faculty at the Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI), Peshawar, with the help of the University of Montana (USA). A draft of the project will be sent to the ministry of environment for approval soon.

“We have completed the draft of the project and once the ministry approves it, an MoU with the University of Montana will be signed to train students in biological conservation, ecosystem and wildlife conservation at the institute,” Dr Mumtaz Malik, chief conservator wildlife, NWFP, told APP here on Sunday.

He said a high-level meeting, presided over by Inspector-General Forest (IGF) Dr Bashir Ahmed Wani, took this decision.

The faculty would start functioning within two years after government’s approval.

Prof Dr Pletscher, director wildlife biological programme, University of Montana, said: “I selected four wildlife officers for post-graduate studies in the field of biological and wildlife conservation, and they would join the Montana University academic session in August,” said Mr Pletscher.

“The University of Montana is working on a strategy to offer scholarships to Pakistani students for ensuring better environment and biological conservation in the country,” he said.

In reply to a question, he said: “Pakistan is a safe country for foreigners and he was impressed by the hospitality and friendly attitude of Pakistanis during his visit.

“Wildlife conservation and protection in Pakistan is as good as in any European country,” he said, adding that the wildlife and ecosystem’s protection was imperative for ensuring sustainable development.

Mr Pletscher lauded the services of Dr Mumtaz Malik for taking keen interest in human resource development of officials of wildlife department and conservation of wildlife in the province.