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Pakistan Backs Global Efforts to Designate Snow Leopard as Symbol of Climate Adaptation

Pakistan's northern mountains are home to between 200 and 420 snow leopards

Pakistan has accelerated efforts to have the snow leopard recognized as an international symbol of climate adaptation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in partnership with the 12 member countries of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)

During a high-level meeting in Islamabad at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, detailed the steps involved in this initiative.

According to a press release issued on Monday, the plan involves sending formal communications to the UNGA, countries where snow leopards thrive, and key wildlife conservation organizations. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will play a crucial role in ensuring a unified national approach. Global diplomatic efforts will be coordinated with snow leopard range states and institutions, as Pakistan aims to present a compelling case at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November.

During the meeting, Romina Khurshid highlighted Pakistan’s enduring commitment to wildlife conservation.

“The snow leopard is not just a symbol of natural beauty; it’s a vital indicator of climate change. As one of the nations most affected by climate change, Pakistan is prepared to take all necessary actions to raise awareness and support initiatives to tackle its impacts,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Sardar Jamal Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Ambassador for Wildlife, commended Pakistan’s leadership in this initiative, collaborating closely with GSLEP member countries to establish the snow leopard as a global emblem of climate resilience.

“We are engaging with stakeholders both locally and internationally, and I am hopeful that our joint efforts will result in the United Nations adopting this proposal. Pakistan’s voice on climate action will resonate stronger than ever on the global stage,” he noted.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, emphasized that Pakistan is leading this global initiative and is home to a significant population of vulnerable snow leopards.

He expressed optimism that presenting the resolution to the UN will significantly raise global awareness about climate change and enhance Pakistan’s international reputation. He added that this initiative will bolster conservation efforts not only within Pakistan but also across all regions where snow leopards reside.

Koustubh Sharma, representing GSLEP, thanked Pakistan for taking such a meaningful step forward.

“This initiative has the potential to greatly improve snow leopard conservation efforts. There is still much work to be done ahead of COP 29, and we are committed to raising awareness and ensuring that representatives from participating countries are sensitised to the urgency of this issue,” he said.

It is estimated that Pakistan’s northern mountains, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are home to between 200 and 420 snow leopards.

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