WWF provides uniforms to GB wildlife dept staff

Gilgit (PR): WWF-Pakistan under its Pakistan wetlands programme-Northern Alpine Wetlands Complex delivered 22 sets of uniform to the field staff of Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department in a ceremony held in Gilgit Conservation Information Centre, Gilgit on 10 May 2012.  The purpose of providing uniform to the field staff is to encourage dedicated personnel of the department for more efficient services contributing to protection of wildlife resources in their respective regions.

The Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr.Khdim Hussain Saleem, who attended the ceremony as Chief Guest, applauded the initiative and remarked that the uniformed personnel in the department could deliver their duties more efficiently. He added that, in addition to sustainable resource use initiatives like trophy hunting efforts should also be channeled to build capacity of local communities to withstand the climate induced hazards and disasters.

Mr. Babar Khan Head WWF-P, Gilgit-Baltistan spoke about the longstanding partnership between GB wildlife department and WWF Pakistan for nature conservation in the region, and “provision of uniform and other necessary equipment to the department’s staff is another step towards mutual collaboration”, he added.

Mr.Muhammad Ismail Zafar Conservator Forest, Gilgit during his speech explained mutual collaboration between WWF-P and Gilgit-Baltsitan Forest Wildlife and Environment department since early 1990s and he admired the WWF-P’s intervations for conservation of protected area in the region and hoped for better future cooperation.

Mr.walayat Noor, Conservator, Wildlife and Parks, Gilgit-Baltistan also attended the ceremony and shared his views about the event. He emphasized on developing management plans for Qurumbar and Hunderab-Shandoor National Parks, in addition to taking necessary steps on implementation of the management plans of Deosai National Park. He also suggested to take some steps to add Nangaparbat area under the net of protected areas in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The event was also attended by other senior officials of GB Forest and Wildlife Department including the Deputy Secretary, DFO Wildlife and others.