Zoological Survey of Pakistan, Ministry of Climate Change, has organized the first workshop on standardization of survey techniques for preparation of Red Book in Islamabad on Monday. Minister of State on Climate Change Ms. Zartaj Gul Wazir was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Addressing the event Minster of State deplored the absence of any baseline study or documentation such as Red Book which resulted toward various problems like illegal forest cutting and wildlife poaching. She stressed to seriously review that attitude toward natural resources and need to adopt the measures for their sustainable use. She also emphasized that a robust Zoological Survey of Pakistan as an institution was need of the our and that research and development in the survey techniques were critical to save Pakistan’s wildlife. She also shared Prime Minister of Pakistan’s vision to save national biodiversity such as forests and wildlife and to promote eco-tourism. Federal Secretary of Climate Change, Mr. Hassan Nasir Jamy also addressed the workshop. Secretary said that workshop would open up new avenues for research and development leading towards establishment of new Zoological Survey of Pakistan. He also announced establishment of a world class Zoo cum Botanical garden in Islamabad on recently retrieved 725 acres of state land. Inspector General Forests Mr. Suleyman Waraich, while addressing the workshop, said that Red Data Book would provide baseline study essential for formulating policies. It is pertinent to mention here that after 18th amendment wildlife has become a provincial subject but biodiversity remains federal government’s responsibility. Federal Government is signatory to various international conventions where it is responsible and answerable to international community. A recent survey has revealed that number of migratory birds in Pakistan has declined significantly due to illegal hunting and climate change. Minister of State also apprised that she already had taken up the matter of illegal hunting with Chief Minister of Punjab. Minister of State appreciated the efforts of team working to prepare Red Book of species despite financial and resource constraints. *** ?
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