Latest news with #WWFPakistan
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- General
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt, WWF to launch ‘Recharge Pakistan'
KARACHI: The Sindh government and WWF Pakistan have decided to launch a 'Recharge Pakistan' project as part of a joint strategy to address environmental threats, including floods and droughts in Manchar Lake. In this regard, a delegation from WWF's Recharge Pakistan project met with Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro. The delegation included Senior Director Fawad Hayat, Brigadier Muhammad Amjad Azad (Retd), and other experts. During the meeting, discussions were held on the restoration of Manchar Lake, mitigating environmental risks, and improving the lives of the local population. Senior Director Fawad Hayat stated that the 'Recharge Pakistan' project, with a cost of $8 million (approximately 2.25 billion PKR), will be completed over 7 years, concluding in 2031. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
'Arribada' vanishes from shores
The rare and awe-inspiring natural event known as arribada-a synchronized mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles-has vanished from Pakistani shores, experts say. Once a common sight along the country's coastline, this unique species has not been recorded nesting in Pakistan since 2001. Arribada, a Spanish word, meaning 'arrival', refers to a remarkable phenomenon where thousands of female Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs. This event occurs at select beaches across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, and is considered one of nature's most spectacular events. According to marine experts, five of the seven known species of sea turtles used to frequent Pakistani waters until the 1970s. However, in the following decades, only two species-the Green Turtle and the Olive Ridley-continued visiting the region. Now, only Green Turtles remain. Olive Ridley turtles, the smallest and most abundant species of sea turtles globally, are known for their olive-green shells and preference for warm tropical waters. Despite their adaptability, they have mysteriously disappeared from Pakistani beaches over the past two decades. Experts believe both environmental and human-induced factors may be responsible for their disappearance. According to Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor to WWF Pakistan, climate change could be a significant contributor to the disappearance of Olive Ridleys from the country's coastline. However, Dr. Babar Hussain, Natural Resource Management Coordinator at IUCN Pakistan, points to a more immediate cause-the Tasman Spirit oil spill that occurred off the coast of Karachi in 2003. "This incident had a devastating impact on marine biodiversity," he said. "Since the spill, no Olive Ridley turtles have been sighted along our shores." Globally, Olive Ridley turtles are known for their synchronized nesting behaviour. During arribada, hundreds of female turtles come ashore in moonlit hours to dig nests in the sand, each laying between 100 and 120 eggs. Once the eggs are laid and buried, the females return to the sea. After 45 to 60 days, hatchlings emerge and instinctively crawl toward the ocean. These mass nesting events are observed in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. For instance, La Escobilla beach in Mexico hosts up to 450,000 nests annually, while Costa Rica's beaches receive nearly 600,000 female turtles during the breeding season. In India, Odisha's Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches are world-famous arribada sites. Despite confirmed Olive Ridley migration routes near Pakistan, the country has not seen a nesting event in over two decades. Experts stress that this ecological loss is not just a scientific concern but also a missed opportunity for promoting eco-tourism. "The arribada is not only a spectacle of nature's coordination but also a reminder of how delicately balanced marine ecosystems are," said Moazzam Khan.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Trans-persons join water conservation drive
Aimed at fostering inclusivity and environmental awareness, WWF Pakistan, under its Water Resource Accountability and Protection (WRAP) project, held an enlightening and interactive awareness session with the transgender community in Haripur. The session, titled "The Human Role in Water Conservation," was designed to highlight the critical role that every segment of society, including marginalised groups, can play in protecting natural resources and combating climate change. The session opened with an introduction to the pressing challenges surrounding water scarcity and the degradation of natural ecosystems. WWF Pakistan's team presented insightful information on the growing need for sustainable water management practices in the face of increasing environmental pressures. The conversation emphasised how every individual, regardless of gender identity, can contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts. A central theme of the session was the inclusion of the transgender community as active stakeholders in environmental protection. The speakers stressed that environmental sustainability requires participation from all walks of life and that marginalised communities often bear the brunt of climate-related challenges.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Salt Range faces risk to biodiversity
The Salt Range in Punjab, known for its rare biodiversity and scenic landscapes, is facing severe ecological degradation. Experts warn that the region's unique flora and fauna are rapidly disappearing due to unregulated mining, poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Ecologists report that unregulated cement factories and mining activities are altering the natural terrain and contaminating water sources, leading to a sharp decline in biodiversity. Climate-induced shifts in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have further impacted soil fertility and water availability. The Salt Range Wetlands Complexhome to lakes such as Kallar Kahar, Khabbeki, Uchhali, Jhalar, and Namal — provides refuge to rare species including the Punjab Urial, Chinkara, and Red Fox, as well as globally threatened birds such as the White-headed Duck, Imperial Eagle, and Sociable Plover. Badar Munir, a conservationist and documentary filmmaker, emphasised the urgent need for intervention, citing unregulated mining and climate change as key threats to the region's ecological balance. Fahad Malik, coordinator of the Pakistan Biodiversity Alliance, stated that unchecked hunting, illegal poaching, deforestation, and the overharvesting of medicinal plants have critically damaged the ecosystem. He noted that apex predators like the common leopard and grey wolf have vanished from the Salt Range. Experts recommend immediate restrictions on unregulated mining and call for post-mining environmental impact assessments. They also urge the inclusion of local communities in conservation efforts and propose alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on natural resource extraction. Conservationists further stress the need for public awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and strengthened collaboration with national and international organisations to enhance biodiversity protection. According to WWF Pakistan, the inclusion of local communities and the promotion of sustainable development are essential for long-term conservation. In recent years, the Punjab government has launched several initiatives to protect biodiversity, focusing on legislation, policy reforms, expansion of protected areas, environmental restoration, and public outreach. Recent amendments to the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act, 1974 have increased penalties for the illegal hunting of endangered species. Additionally, the provincial government has introduced a comprehensive Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan aligned with international standards. Wildlife officials report the establishment of new protected areas, including a national park in Cholistan and wildlife reserves in the Salt Range. Practical steps have also been taken to preserve Ramsar-designated wetlands such as Khabbeki and Uchhali lakes. Key initiatives include the Protected Areas Initiative and forest restoration projects under the Green Pakistan Programme, which promote the plantation of native tree species. Conservation efforts for rare animals like the Punjab Urial, Chinkara, Blackbuck, and Nilgai are also underway. The government has partnered with global organizations such as IUCN, WWF, GEF, and UNDP for technical assistance and policy development, and has committed to the goals of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Despite these efforts, conservationists warn that ongoing challengesincluding illegal hunting, habitat loss, urban and agricultural encroachment, water pollution, and deforestationcontinue to threaten the region's fragile biodiversity. Experts stress that without immediate and sustained action, the ecological damage may become irreversible.
Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Galyat climate projects near completion
A large number of tourists every year visit the stunning locations in Galyat which is famous for its snowfall. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE Several climate resilience projects worth over Rs 20 million are in the final stages of completion in three union councils of Galyat under the supervision of WWF Pakistan. The initiatives, launched under the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) project, include clean drinking water schemes, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, and the establishment of over 50 fruit orchards in Nathia Gali, Namli Mira, and Bakot. These efforts aim to improve environmental sustainability and enhance local livelihoods. During a media briefing in Nathia Gali, WWF Pakistan officials highlighted the project's impact. As part of the initiative, cedar, pine, and oak trees have been planted across 10 acres in the Galliyat region. In Malach, Nathia Gali, a 12,000-foot water supply scheme now delivers clean spring water to over 150 households, benefiting women who previously had to travel long distances for water.
