Ghizer: 18th meeting of District Conservation Committee (DCC) held in Gahkuch
Gilgit, May 9: (PR) The 18th meeting of DCC Ghizer was held to share progress of community conservation committees and efforts of WWF-Pakistan’s Saving Wetlands Sky High Programme to conserve natural environment of Ghizer in general and alpine wetlands in particular. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Rasheed Ali, DC Ghizer (Chairman DCC) whereas, participants included Dr. Babar Khan, Head WWF (GB), Mr. Farman Ali, SP Ghizer, Ghulam Haider (DFO Ghizer), Sultan Khan (AC Punial-Ishkoman), Sher Ahmed (AO), Kamaluddin (Tehsildar Gupis), Yusuf Jan (AD Fisheries), Safiullah (AD Tourism), Miss Sabur Jehan (SO AKRSP) and community representatives from Qurumber, Ishkoman, Gahkuch and Shandur-Hundrap valleys. The chair welcomed the participants and shared meeting objectives. Dr. Babar briefed the participants about the background, purpose, and functions of DCC (a notified district conservation stakeholder’s forum). He also shared the efforts being made by WWF to manage the critical alpine wetland ecosystems in GB and Ghizer.
The meeting ended with significant decisions to strengthen the District Conservation Commitee and improve the efficiency of all conservation partners in the district. The forum extended membership to representatives of Tourism and Fisheries departments in DCC Ghizer, whereas, the community proposal to put ban on shooting of game birds inside CMCAs was unanimously agreed and decided by the Chair. Moreover, DFO Forest was decided to replace WWF as secretary for DCC Ghizer.
Concluding the meeting, the Chairman DCC appreciated WWF for its continuous presence, meaningful efforts and raising awareness among locals about species, their habitats and ecosystems. He emphasized over building synergies, pooling minds and resources and making collective efforts, hands-in-hands with the district government, to strengthen conservation for a balanced social, economic and environment development in the region.
