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SARGODHGA, Nov 15 (APP): The Wildlife Department, with full support from the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is working tirelessly to ensure the survival of rare birds and animals across the division. Wildlife Assistant Chief for the Sargodha region, Arooj Zaheer, shared these efforts during her live program on Pakistan Radio.
She highlighted climate change as one of the most pressing challenges Pakistan faces today, affecting ecosystems across the country—from the mountains to the mangroves. Arooj Zaheer noted that the receding glaciers in the region’s hilly areas are leading to significant changes in river inflows, which are further exacerbated by extreme weather events and shifts in agricultural patterns.
In a panel discussion moderated by environmental journalist Rina Saeed Khan, experts shared strategies to build climate resilience for local communities and work collaboratively on climate issues. Zaheer emphasized that climate change is a harsh reality that threatens both current and future generations. She urged policymakers to prioritize climate change in development agendas to prevent increasing vulnerabilities and erosion of resilience.
To enhance climate resilience and promote alternative livelihoods, Wildlife Pakistan, in partnership with various government departments, has launched climate adaptation initiatives from the Upper Indus Basin to the Indus Delta. WWF-Pakistan is also piloting new business models and technologies focused on clean, renewable energy.
Arooj called for nature-based solutions to tackle climate challenges, including large-scale plantation drives, the protection of existing forests, and the promotion of water conservation. She also pointed out that Pakistan’s unique geography, ranging from Sonmiani Bay’s sea level to the 8,611-meter height of K-2, makes it not only one of the most diverse countries but also one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
She explained that Pakistan is experiencing rising temperatures, longer cold periods, glacial lake outburst floods, seawater intrusion into the Indus Delta, and an increase in coastal cyclones and storm surges.
Arooj also highlighted the successful conservation efforts that have led to an increase in the population of the Indus River dolphin, thanks to the collaboration of various stakeholders, including communities and government departments. She called for strict measures and severe punishments for poachers involved in the illegal wildlife trade, stressing the need to protect the nation’s endangered species.