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Pakistan to declare snow leopard as global climate adaptation symbol
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- Web Desk
- Aug 15, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to declare the snow leopard as an international symbol of high mountain ecology and climate adaptation, reaffirming its commitment to combating climate change and preserving its unique wildlife.
This announcement was made by Romina Khursheed Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, during the “Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards, 2024” ceremony.
The declaration comes ahead of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled for November 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference provides an ideal platform to promote the snow leopard as a global symbol of climate resilience and the preservation of high mountain ecosystems.
At the 8th Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) steering committee meeting in Samarkand in March 2024, participants emphasized the importance of the snow leopard in high mountain ecosystems and agreed to request the UN Secretary-General to officially recognize the snow leopard as a symbol of climate adaptation.
Also read: Snow leopard habitat at risk from infrastructure projects: WWF
Asia’s high mountains, often referred to as the “third pole of the earth,” host the world’s 14 highest peaks and are warming at twice the rate of the Northern Hemisphere. This rapid warming is having a profound impact on glaciers and ecosystems across regions, including the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Pamirs, Tien Shan, Altai Mountains, and the Tibetan Plateau. Pakistan, one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate change, oversees 80,000 square kilometers of snow leopard habitat and has witnessed significant glacier retreat in recent decades, affecting agriculture, water supplies, hydroelectric power, and wildlife habitats.
Romina Khursheed Alam emphasized the need for both national and international cooperation to address climate change challenges. “Climate change poses a significant threat to our ecosystems and wildlife. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are altering habitats and putting pressure on vulnerable species. We must strengthen our conservation efforts and work together to mitigate these impacts,” she stated.
She further noted, “Recognizing the snow leopard as an international symbol of climate resilience will enhance Pakistan’s image as a nation committed to sustainable development in harmony with nature.”
Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, expressed gratitude for the recognition of the snow leopard as a global symbol. He highlighted the importance of this moment for wildlife preservation, referencing a 2007 study by the foundation that tracked a snow leopard across 1,600 square kilometers between Afghanistan and Pakistan, underscoring the need for transboundary conservation efforts.
Dr Nawaz also spoke about the formation of the GSLEP in 2013, an alliance of 12 countries—including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—dedicated to protecting snow leopards and their habitats. Pakistan’s active role in GSLEP underscores its leadership in wildlife conservation.
GSLEP emissary and wildlife ambassador Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “This will reinforce efforts to protect snow leopards and enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development.” He also stressed the urgent need for action to address climate challenges in the “Third Pole” region.
“Snow leopards, residing near snow-capped peaks, symbolize healthy mountain ecosystems, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. They play a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services, such as freshwater supply and carbon sequestration, benefiting billions of people downstream,” Leghari said.
Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to its National Climate Change Policy, which seeks to balance economic growth with efforts to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, prevent land degradation, and preserve biodiversity.