South Africa, Pakistan and Conservation

Pakistan WE-NET delegation led by Yasmin Hyder (Founder & President, WE-NET), attended an information session on conservation of natural resources hosted by Pakistan Customs on January 3, 2018 at Directorate General of Customs, Karachi.

Pakistan Customs has been a key stakeholder in the restoration of Eduljee Dinshaw Road and reclaiming public space for the citizens of Karachi. The talk was delivered by Mr. Peter Sullivan, Chairman, Bird Life, Africa, and moderated by Ayesha Tammy Haq. The session was aimed at building awareness on the need to conserve natural resources.

Natural habitat destruction is deemed as the most serious threat facing many bird species, which mostly occurs due to fragmentation of land, draining of swamps, logging and rapid urban development. Mr. Sullivan urged the audience to make a combined effort to preserve land, air and water in order to protect our natural habitat. Around 1200 bird species face extinction in the next century with many bird populations declining worldwide. Hence, the importance of protecting unique species of birds in Pakistan was specifically highlighted with enlightening revelations about 16 bird species discovered during Mr. Sullivan’s brief stay in Sindh.

The talk was followed by a question and answer session, where the audience expressed an interest and willingness to know more about conservation efforts, which may be implemented at an individual level. Mr. Tariq Huda, Director General Pakistan Customs, concluded the talk by thanking the guests and emphasized on the importance of conservation, and how organizations, government bodies and individuals can each make a difference by making small efforts in their daily lives.