Pakistan has finalised its National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), including a commitment to protect 30 per cent of its land and sea areas by 2030 in line with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, said Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, media spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on Saturday.
Pakistan sets target to protect 30% of land, sea areas by 2030 under global biodiversity framework
By Abdul Samad Tariq
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Pakistan has finalised its National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), including a commitment to protect 30 per cent of its land and sea areas by 2030 in line with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, said Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, media spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on Saturday.
Talking to APP, he said the targets were finalised after extensive consultations with government and non-government stakeholders across the country.
“These targets have been aligned with global frameworks, ensuring Pakistan’s biodiversity priorities reflect both ecological conservation needs and broader development objectives,” he said.
Shaikh stated the targets were approved during a two-day high-level meeting in Islamabad, chaired by the secretary of the ministry.
The sessions brought together representatives from federal ministries, provincial environment, forestry and wildlife departments, academia, and development partners.
Additional Secretary-I Dr Saad S Khan, Director Biodiversity Naeem Ashraf Raja, and Conservator Wildlife Samar Hussain Khan were among the participants.
According to Shaikh, the NBTs provide a clear roadmap for Pakistan’s conservation efforts, covering ecosystem protection and restoration, sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity finance, and inclusive governance.
“The newly finalised targets will guide Pakistan’s biodiversity actions in the coming years and support implementation of the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2026–2030),” he added.
Key commitments include protecting 30 per cent of land and sea areas, controlling invasive species, and promoting sustainable resource management by 2030.
Shaikh said actionable measures have been incorporated, including the development of legal and administrative policies to monitor the impact of business and development activities on biodiversity.
He emphasised that the initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation, enhance ecosystem resilience, and contribute to global efforts to halt biodiversity loss.
