Islamabad, Oct 7: Pakistan Enhances Global Initiatives to Establish Snow Leopard as a Symbol of Climate Adaptation In partnership with the 12 nations that make up the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCCEC) has stepped up its efforts to propose that the snow leopard be recognized by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) as an international symbol of climate adaptation.
The stages of this project were described by Prime Minister’s Climate Change Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam at a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. According to a press statement on Monday, the strategy entails sending formal notifications to the UNGA, the nations where snow leopards are found in plenty, and important animal conservation groups.
For a cohesive national strategy, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also be actively involved. In collaboration with snow leopard range states and institutions, international diplomatic measures will be initiated. Pakistan plans to make a compelling case during the upcoming COP 29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November.
Romina Khurshid stressed Pakistan’s long-standing dedication to wildlife protection during her speech at the forum. “The snow leopard is not only a symbol of natural beauty, but it is also a critical indicator of climate change,” she said. Pakistan is one of the countries most impacted by climate change, and we are prepared to take all necessary steps to increase public awareness and assist in efforts to mitigate its effects.
Sardar Jamal Ahmad Khan Leghari, Pakistan’s ambassador for wildlife, commended the country for taking the lead in this project and collaborating closely with other GSLEP members to establish the snow leopard as a universal representation of climate resilience. “We are in communication with national and international stakeholders, and I have high hopes that our combined efforts will result in the UN approving this proposal,” he said. “Pakistan will have a stronger global voice than ever on climate action.”
Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, noted that Pakistan is leading the way in this international effort and that the country is home to a sizable number of snow leopards, many of whom are extremely vulnerable. He was hopeful that if the resolution is submitted to the UN,
It will make a significant difference in strengthening Pakistan’s standing abroad and increasing worldwide awareness of climate change. He went on to say that this project would improve conservation efforts in all areas where snow leopards are found, not just in Pakistan.
GSLEP’s representative, Mr. Koustubh Sharma, thanked Pakistan for this significant move. “This project has the potential to significantly improve snow leopard conservation efforts,” he said. Prior to COP 29, there is still much work to be done, but we are dedicated to increasing awareness and making sure that delegates from the participating nations understand how serious this situation is.
