Gilgit: The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Forest, Wildlife and Environment Department and the Wildlife Conservation and Development Society (WCDS) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening community-led wildlife conservation and sustainable natural resource management across Gilgit-Baltistan.
The signing ceremony took place at the office of the Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment in Gilgit. Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment Syed Abdul Waheed Shah signed the agreement on behalf of the department, while Dr. Mayoor Khan represented WCDS. Senior officials of the department were also present at the event.
According to officials, the agreement seeks to strengthen local community governance structures and promote community-based wildlife conservation while improving livelihoods through the sustainable management of natural resources in the mountainous landscapes of the region.
Under the MoU, both sides will collaborate to promote biodiversity conservation, conduct annual wildlife population surveys and undertake targeted research. The partnership will also support integrated forest and natural resource management initiatives.
The agreement further emphasises strengthening community-based institutions and establishing Community Managed Conservancies (CMCs), along with promoting conservation education and public awareness about wildlife protection.
Officials said the collaboration will also facilitate the implementation of field-based conservation projects and climate change resilience programmes across Gilgit-Baltistan.
WCDS has been supporting the regional government in establishing and strengthening community-based organisations and Community Managed Conservancies/Controlled Hunting Areas across the region. Through these initiatives, the organisation has contributed to the recovery of several wildlife species, including the Flare-horned Markhor, Ladakh Urial and the Woolly Flying Squirrel, while also supporting the protection of their natural habitats.
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