Islamabad, In a groundbreaking move to bolster wildlife preservation and management, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, convened a meeting with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and experts from Four Paws. The gathering focused on the challenges facing Margalla Hills National Park and Marghazar Zoo, and strategies for the conservation of endangered species were discussed.

According to Press Information Department, during the meeting held at the Ministry of Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam was briefed by Dr. Frank Goeritz, Head of the Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Research, and Dr. Amir Khalil, Director of Reveal & Rescue, on bio-rescue operations and the conservation of endangered species. Alam highlighted the government’s commitment to establishing a new park on a 28-acre land owned by the ministry, dedicated exclusively to rare, endangered, and vulnerable species.

Furthermore, Alam announced plans to establish the country’s first-ever Centre of Excellence for Wildlife Welfare. This initiative aims to provide veterinary training, transfer veterinary technology, and raise public awareness about wildlife conservation. Senior wildlife scientists will lead efforts to enhance the niche, ecology, growth, and experimentation of wildlife within the country.

The meeting also addressed the legislative framework necessary for wildlife conservation, with Alam expressing urgency in the signing of the Islamabad Nature & Wildlife Management Act 2023. This act is expected to upscale bio-rescue and wildlife conservation efforts significantly.

Expressing her gratitude to the meeting’s participants, Alam acknowledged the long-neglected state of Pakistan’s wildlife welfare and emphasized the commitment to making substantive improvements. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to preserve its natural heritage and biodiversity.