Pakistan’s First-Ever Flora Conservation Station Set Up to Protect Threatened Plants in Thar Desert

This was stated by experts at the launch of Pakistan’s first desert-region Flora Conservation Station in Tharparkar at a Thar Coal Block II on Thursday. This station, established by  IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) aims at protecting the area’s unique, critically endangered and rare, plant biodiversity and supporting ecological health of the rangelands for improved local livelihoods. This initiative is a result of four rigorous years of scientific research and an inclusive partnership that fosters community awareness and stewardship for the fragile ecosystems of Thar.

The initiative, developed by IUCN under the project Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation in Thar  and supported by SECMC, Thar Foundation and Baanhn Beli, will serve as a sanctuary for the region’s unique plant diversity. Many of these species were documented during IUCN’s ecological baseline survey (2020–2022), which recorded more than 149 plant species, including two globally threatened species such as the Indian Bdellium Tree and Desert Teak. The conservation station will focus on conservation and propagation of indigenous plants, restoration of degraded rangelands, and safeguarding ecosystems that are essential for the livelihoods of local communities. By strengthening livestock grazing resources and promoting sustainable vegetation use, the project is expected to enhance long-term ecological resilience in Tharparkar.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Qasim Siraj Soomro, Member of the Provincial  Assembly from Tharparkar appreciated the initiative, stating: “The people of Thar deeply value these efforts which help protect the threatened wildlife, including the rich flora. Conserving our fast-declining plant species is not only vital for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of our communities who depend on livestock and rangelands. This conservation station gives us hope that future generations will inherit a greener and more sustainable Thar”.

Mr Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan, explained that Thar is home to some of the most unique and threatened plant species in the world, including those listed on the IUCN Red List. This initiative contributes not only to local ecological resilience but also helps achieve global biodiversity targets. “It is high time we must support conservation initiatives and reconnect local communities to the threatened biodiversity”, he added.  

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Amir Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer SECMC, stated: “With its critical role in enhancing Pakistan’s energy security and rich ecological heritage, Thar stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and national progress. The launch of Pakistan’s first Flora Conservation Station, in partnership with IUCN, is another milestone in our journey to safeguard biodiversity while uplifting local communities.”

With implementation support from local partner Baanhn Beli, the Flora Conservation Station builds on four years of IUCN–SECMC collaboration, which has included globally critically endangered vulture conservation efforts, ecological surveys, sustainable saline agriculture & saline aquaculture and environmental education programs. The establishment of this facility enhances the  on-ground conservation measures in Thar, aimed at protecting plant diversity while supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
 

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]