Govt to support Italy’s sustainable tourism initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan: Sanai
Islamabad: (PR) EvK2CNR Pakistan, an Italian NGO, organized the final SEED symposium in Islamabad.
Speaking on the Occasion, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, Stefano Pontecorvo, said that Gilgit-Baltistan is amazingly spectacular. Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) with its scenic beauty invites tourists from all over the world. He added that the Italian government will work on the sustainable tourism in the region. He applauded the work on EVK2CNR in conservation of nature and better management of CKNP and providing improved livelihood opportunities for the community in surroundings.
Mr. Ibrahim Sanai, Education Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, thanked the Italian Govt for the support to the people of Gilgit Baltistan and several initiatives for the CKNP park management. He representing the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, hoped that the govt of Italy will continue to working for the sustainability of the initiatives in the region. He assured full support for any initiatives in the future for the park management and livelihood improvement.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Abu Akif, Federal Secretary for Climate Change, said that Pakistan is prone to hazards of the climate change effects. The need is to develop a strategy for the adaptation and mitigation. He further said that Pakistan will become the fifth country in the world to have the specific law approved with climate change act 2016 which has already been approved by the federal cabinet yet to be approved by the parliament. The act aims at controlling damaging from natural disasters, research programs, agreement with international bodies and awareness campaigns. Once it is approved by the parliament, Pakistan climate change authority will be constituted chaired by the prime minister.
Mr. Agostino Da Polenza, President of EvK2CNR presented the historic background of the activities and projects with a focus on SEED (Social Economic and Environmental Development) which aimed at management of Central Karakoram National Park and the well being of the communities living around the park. He said that Govt of Pakistan and Italy have supported EvK2CNR for its projects and initiatives in the region which the organization will continue to extend.
Former Vice Chancellor KIU, Dr. Aziz Ali Najam and Mr. Ashiq Ahmad Khan, Pakistan’s renowned forester and bio diversity expert expressed to have immediate interventions to address the climate change effects in the country with a focus on Gilgit Baltistan.
Mr. Luca Listo presented to the audience the development of the SEED Project, its activities and the outcomes. He said that the SEED project has contributed enormously in the park management.
Ms. Anjum Asad, Additional Secretary, EAD was among the dignitaries present during the event.
