Islamabad: Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, announced that Pakistan is intensifying efforts in environmental conservation and research. Addressing a press conference organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and EvK2CNR, she highlighted the launch of “The new inventory of 13,032 glaciers in Pakistan: the ‘glaciers and students’ project.” Alam emphasized the critical role of international partnerships, particularly with Italy, in developing this comprehensive glacier inventory.

According to Press Information Department, the initiative has revealed a significant finding of 13,032 glaciers across Pakistan, highlighting the country’s vast glacial resources. The project, supported by the Italian government and UNDP, underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change. Alam noted the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-triggered disasters, particularly in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, and the need for sustained international interventions.

The press conference also featured contributions from Marilina Armellini, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, and representatives from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and UNDP Pakistan. They reinforced the long-standing partnership between Italy and Pakistan in various development projects. The Italian Ambassador expressed continued commitment to support sustainable development initiatives in Pakistan.

Environmental experts from EvK2CNR, including Maurizio Gallo and Dr. Davide Fugazza, discussed the project’s achievements, highlighting the installation of eight Automatic Weather Stations in Gilgit-Baltistan for environmental monitoring. They credited the involvement of local and international institutions, including Karakoram International University and Italian universities, for the project’s success. The initiative also engaged 171 female students from the region, contributing to both local capacity building and gender inclusion in scientific research.