Pakistan’s Conservation Achievements Spotlighted at the World Conservation Congress 2025

Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative of IUCN Pakistan, opened the session with an overview of Pakistan’s extensive natural resource management efforts, highlighting the collaborative role of the IUCN Secretariat, Members, and Commission experts.

Mr Amir Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, presented biodiversity initiatives undertaken by the Thar Foundation in partnership with IUCN Pakistan. These included the Million Tree Plantation Project, vulture conservation efforts, and environmental education programmes aimed at fostering community awareness and participation.

Mr Asim Jamal, Project Manager, Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme (UGPP), briefed participants on Pakistan’s flagship forest restoration initiative. He emphasized IUCN’s leadership in independently monitoring the UGPP in collaboration with WWF and FAO Pakistan. The initiative has enhanced forest cover, supported wildlife conservation, and generated green jobs, particularly for women and youth, while producing valuable policy recommendations and knowledge products for both public and private sectors.

Ms Fauzia Bilqis Malik, Programme Coordinator, IUCN Pakistan, shared insights from biodiversity conservation efforts in northern Pakistan. These include species conservation, youth engagement in research and awareness, and the promotion of eco-tourism initiatives in the Ghulkin and Minapin valleys of Gilgit Baltistan. She also highlighted the development of the National Climate Change Gender Action Plan as a key milestone.

Mr Danish Rashdi, Senior Manager, Sindh and Balochistan Programme, discussed IUCN Pakistan’s coastal initiatives focusing on mangrove restoration, community based livelihood diversification, and environmental education for underprivileged groups.

Mr Hammad Saeed, Manager, Communications and Knowledge Management, presented an overview of IUCN Pakistan’s knowledge resources developed over the past four decades, followed by a documentary screening highlighting the country’s conservation journey.

The session provided an inspiring platform to share Pakistan’s innovative conservation models, ranging from large scale forest restoration to gender responsive climate action and community led ecotourism. Participants exchanged ideas, strengthened collaborations, and explored new pathways to address global environmental challenges through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

For more information, please contact:

Mr Hammad Saeed
Manager, Communications and Knowledge Management
IUCN Pakistan, Islamabad Country Office
Cell. +92 307 7773801
E-mail: [email protected]