ISLAMABAD June 14: A training workshop on Environmental Assessments in Ecologically Sensitive Areas was inaugurated in Bhurban on Friday to familiarize the participants with the concept of ecologically sensitive areas and use of environmental assessments in Pakistan.

Organised by the Leadership for Environment and Development (Lead-Pakistan), the two-day interactive workshop noted that ecologically sensitive areas due to their natural, cultural and geographical values were susceptible to deterioration.

The old approach of “react and cure” is an unsophisticated way of dealing with environmental problems, rather “anticipate and prevent” is far more cost-effective, said the National Programme Director of LEAD-Pakistan, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh.

A number of laws have been enacted to protect the sensitive areas of Pakistan, the most binding of which regards to development projects are the Environmental Protection Act of 1997.

The Act requires that environmental assessments should be conducted for all projects likely to have an adverse impact on the environment.

At the end of workshop, the participants including decision-makers, chief executives and senior and mid-level managers will be able to prepare and review environmental assessments with regard to legal, social and environmental requirements.

The participants will also become acquainted with environmental assessments through case studies of development projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

The goal of saving sensitive areas is to protect representative samples of Pakistan’s full range of bio-diversity and help maintain natural ecosystems and associated cultural heritage for the sustainable benefit of present and future generations.

Sensitive areas are defined as those areas which readily respond to slight changes of condition or areas vulnerable to environmental and social threats requiring measures for their protection and maintenance—-APP