Latest news with #WorldWideFundforNature-Pakistan
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's plastic challenge
EDITORIAL: Plastic pollution has become one of the most pervasive and damaging environmental threats of our time, choking ecosystems, endangering wildlife and infiltrating every corner of the planet. Pakistan is no exception here, generating over two million tonnes of plastic waste annually, amounting to more than 8kg of waste per capita per year. Alarmingly, 86 percent of this waste remains unrecycled and unmanaged, clogging waterways, polluting urban spaces, and leaching toxins into food systems, soil and the sea. In fact, this crisis has become so severe that Pakistan now ranks among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries in the world. These distressing details were revealed by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) on World Environment Day that was commemorated on June 5. In its statement, the WWF-P highlighted the serious environmental and health impacts of single-use plastics in particular, which offer short-term convenience but inflict long-term damage. Billions of these disposable items are discarded daily, with around 14 million tonnes ending up in the world's oceans each year, endangering marine life and fragile ecosystems. Even more troubling is the spread of microplastics, tiny particles formed as plastic breaks down. Traces of these have been found in seafood, drinking water and even human blood, raising major public health concerns. Research links plastic exposure to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues and increased cancer risk. Adding to the crisis, plastic production and disposal also emit greenhouse gases, worsening climate change. Most dangerously, the all-pervasive use of plastic packaging generates constant waste at both household and commercial levels, making it one of the hardest pollution types to regulate and eliminate. Plastic packaging is made from stubbornly non-biodegradable materials, like polyethylene and polystyrene, synthetic polymers that resist natural decomposition and can persist in the environment for centuries, which means that almost every piece of plastic ever produced still exists today. Pakistan's efforts to tackle plastic pollution have largely been piecemeal and reactive, relying on city- or province-specific bans on plastic bags and sporadic public awareness campaigns. Legislations like the Environmental Protection Act and the Solid Waste Management Act include provisions that aim to improve waste management, while in June 2023, media reports referenced a proposed 10-year strategy aimed at cutting plastic use, boosting recycling and minimising waste. Most recently, in April, the government introduced the National Action Roadmap to Reduce Plastic Pollution, which lays out a comprehensive plan to curb mismanaged plastic waste, at least on paper. However, huge enforcement gaps and the lack of a unified, nationwide policy to ensure coordination and consistency across provinces have hindered efforts to combat plastic waste. The fact of the matter is that the plastic industry enjoys huge economic relevance in Pakistan. Given this economic significance, a comprehensive policy framework that gradually reduces the plastic industry's dominance by promoting the production and use of environmentally friendly alternatives is essential. Banning plastic usage alone will be inadequate; authorities must also create the conditions for eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable cloth or jute bags to become both widely available and affordable. This requires robust collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with targeted financial and technical assistance to help local manufacturers transition towards the production of sustainable plastic alternatives. Without viable alternatives, the public cannot be expected to comply with bans, nor can plastic producers feasibly shift to greener options without risking economic loss. Addressing plastic pollution effectively, therefore, requires a balanced approach that aligns environmental goals with economic realities to create lasting change. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
WWF warns of plastic perils in Pakistan
Pakistan generates nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which 86% is improperly managed, severely harming human health and the environment, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan). In a statement issued on World Environment Day, WWF highlighted that over 1.7 million tonnes of plastic end up in landfills, open dumps, waterways, and even food systems — placing Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries globally. WWF-Pakistan noted that plastic pollution is now one of the country's most pressing environmental challenges, contributing significantly to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. Pakistan also ranks among the highest in South Asia for plastic mismanagement, further burdening urban waste systems and increasing public health risks. Globally, plastics have revolutionized industries due to their low cost and durability. However, the proliferation of single-use plastics (SUPs) — such as bottles, bags, wrappers, and cutlery — has created a growing crisis. According to the UN Environment Programme, approximately 400 million metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated worldwide each year, 36% of which consists of SUPs. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency revealed that less than 10% of the country's plastic waste is recycled. The rest contributes to landfill overflow, inefficient waste diversion, and pollution due to a lack of integrated waste management and limited investment in recycling infrastructure. Plastic packaging, which constitutes 40% of global plastic production, is especially harmful due to its non-biodegradable nature. Composed of long-lasting polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene, these materials persist in the environment for centuries, polluting land, rivers, and oceans. Studies estimate that over 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans annually. Microplastics — tiny fragments resulting from plastic breakdown — have now been found in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood.
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
‘2m tonnes of plastic wastes yearly, 86pc mismanaged'
KARACHI: Pakistan is facing an alarming plastic pollution crisis, with nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, 86 percent of which is mismanaged, according to a press release issued by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) on World Environment Day. The statement reveals that over 1.7 million tonnes of this waste ends up in landfills, open dumping sites, waterways, and food systems—placing Pakistan among the top 10 plastic-polluting countries globally. WWF-Pakistan warned that plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, significantly contributing to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and water contamination. The country ranks among the highest in South Asia in terms of plastic mismanagement, worsening issues related to urban waste disposal and posing serious public health risks. On a global scale, plastics have transformed industries by offering cost-effective, durable alternatives to traditional materials. However, the widespread use of single-use plastics (SUPs) has triggered serious environmental and health concerns. These short-term disposable items, such as bottles, wrappers, bags, and cutlery, are discarded in the billions every day. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that approximately 400 million metric tons of plastic wastes are produced annually, with 36 percent consisting of single-use items. A 2023 study by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) found that less than 10 percent of plastic waste in Pakistan is recycled. The rest contributes to inefficient waste diversion and overflows in landfill sites. The situation is further worsened by the absence of an integrated waste management system and minimal investment in material recovery infrastructure. Single-use plastics are most commonly found in food and beverage packaging, such as bottles, takeout containers, grocery bags, straws, and personal care products. Plastic packaging alone accounts for 40 percent of global plastic production, making it the leading contributor to the accumulation of global plastic waste. These products are primarily made from non-biodegradable polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene, which can persist in the environment for centuries and cause serious ecological and health hazards. Globally, over 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year, endangering marine ecosystems. Microplastics—tiny particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items—have entered the global food chain, with traces found in seafood, drinking water, and even human blood. Exposure to these particles has been linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and higher risks of carcinogenic diseases. Moreover, the plastic industry also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate change. Commenting on the gravity of the situation, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, said the world is struggling to tackle plastic pollution, which is adversely affecting human health, ecosystems, and endangered wildlife. He emphasized the urgent need to reduce plastic production and launch joint awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful impacts of plastic usage. 'Despite the government's partial bans on plastic bags, the affordability and convenience of single-use plastics continue to drive excessive consumption,' Khan stated. He called for stronger policy interventions, improved waste recovery systems, and a transition to circular plastic economy models. The situation in Pakistan is particularly concerning, as microplastics have been detected in several drinking water sources, raising alarm about long-term health consequences. Additionally, the country's plastic industry emits substantial amounts of CO₂ each year, heightening its vulnerability to climate change. WWF-Pakistan urged authorities and the public to discourage the production and consumption of plastic products to protect the environment and mitigate health risks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Call for measures to protect bustard species
Various bustard species are facing severe threats due to hunting, poaching, habitat degradation, and shifting climate patterns. Experts emphasised that preserving these vulnerable bird populations requires coordinated global efforts and strategic planning to halt their decline. These views were shared during a workshop on the Multi-Species Action Plan (MsAP) for the conservation of bustard species worldwide, held at a local hotel in Islamabad on Monday. This event was organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) in coordination with Bustards Without Borders (BWB). The Swiss Ornithological Institute supported the event through the Coordination Unit of the African-Eurasian Migratory Land Birds Action Plan (AEMLAP). Member (Coordination) Pakistan Climate Change Authority (PCCA) Syed Ghulam Qadir Shah, and the chief guest at the event, remarked that bustards hold a unique place among the numerous species that make up this complex web of life. The decline of bustard populations is a clear indicator of the health of our ecosystems. Their presence signifies a well-functioning environment where the balance of flora and fauna is maintained. "By working to conserve bustards, we are not just saving a species, but we are safeguarding the ecosystems they inhabit and the biodiversity that supports all life, including our own", he added. IUCN Bustards Specialist Group's Co-Chair, Dr Mimi Kessler, said that bustard populations are declining across much of their range. This underlines both the urgency and the complexity of our shared task.
Express Tribune
03-03-2025
- Express Tribune
WWF launches app to report wildlife crimes
Pakistan is home to majestic wildlife, including common and snow leopards, brown and black bears, Indian pangolins, freshwater and sea turtles, Indus River dolphins, and diverse species of resident and migratory birds. But these wildlife species face serious threats from wildlife crimes, which include illegal trade, poaching, hunting, and ill-treatment. An application has been launched to report wildlife crimes and coordinate meaningful actions by the government departments and law enforcement agencies. The World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) said in its press release issued on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day 2025. It further said this is the first time this application has been launched to tackle crimes facing wildlife in Pakistan. The application has been developed under the Securing the Future for Indian Pangolin project supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund. A link to the application has been developed on Google Drive for reporting crimes and will soon be available on the Google Play Store. The theme for the 2025 World Wildlife Day, 'wildlife conservation finance: Investing in People and Planet," focuses on innovative technologies and enhancing collaboration to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of existing financial resources. It highlights the urgent need to strengthen investment in conservation efforts, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for humanity and the natural world. Advanced technologies such as software applications, artificial intelligence, camera traps, and satellite data can help address wildlife threats, monitor conservation performance, and promote effective strategies for protecting threatened wildlife. This application will report and collect data on wildlife crimes, enabling the relevant departments and agencies to take action against wildlife criminals. WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan remarked that addressing wildlife crimes requires an inclusive approach involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and local communities. Tackling such crimes could be improved by building capacity, fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and creating enabling conditions that integrate the expertise of AI specialists, conservation experts, and members of local communities. Khan emphasized the essential role of wildlife in promoting ecosystem management and human well-being. Referring to the application, Khan said that it would create a platform for wildlife officials, conservation experts, and the public to interact and share valuable information about illegal wildlife activities "To protect the wildlife, we need to work together and take immediate action to combat wildlife crime as it is one of the key reasons for species decline at local, national, and international levels", Khan added.
