New York: During a high-level side event at the United Nations titled “Conserving the Markhor,” Pakistan outlined its commitment to wildlife conservation, emphasizing the successful implementation of community governance and sustainable practices in managing natural resources. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, presented the nation’s strategy and successes in conserving its national animal, the Markhor, which is recognized by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

According to Pakistan Mission to the United Nations announcement issued on 23 July 2024, Ambassador Akram detailed Pakistan’s trophy hunting policy, which has been a pivotal element of its conservation efforts. Initially setting a quota allowing the hunting of 6, later increased to 12 Markhors each season, the policy channels 80% of the trophy permit fees back to the local communities. This revenue sharing has incentivized these communities to actively participate in the monitoring and management of the Markhor populations and has funded significant community development projects and habitat enhancements.

The event, co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Tajikistan along with UNEP and IUCN, also highlighted the critical ecological role played by the Markhor. Ambassador Akram noted that proactive conservation efforts in Pakistan have led to a substantial increase in the Markhor population from an estimated 3,500 to 5,000 over the past decade, reversing the global trend of decline where fewer than 6,000 mature individuals remain.

Furthermore, Ambassador Akram expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to share its conservation experiences with other nations and underscored the importance of global cooperation in wildlife preservation. He also pointed to the recent General Assembly resolution proclaiming May 24th as the International Day of the Markhor, which aims to enhance global efforts to protect this vital species and its natural habitat.