ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has renewed its commitment to promoting the snow leopard as a global symbol of high mountain ecology and climate adaptation. This was announced by Romina Khursheed Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, at the “Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards, 2024.” The upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku will be a key opportunity to showcase this initiative.
During the 8th Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) meeting in Samarkand, the importance of the snow leopard in high mountain ecosystems was emphasized. Pakistan has also requested the UN Secretary-General to officially recognize the snow leopard as a symbol of the challenges faced by these fragile ecosystems due to climate change.
Asia’s high mountain regions, which include the world’s 14 highest peaks, are warming rapidly. This warming is affecting glaciers and ecosystems across vast areas, leading to significant changes. Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to these changes, as the retreat of glaciers is impacting daily life and wildlife habitats. By designating the snow leopard as a symbol, Pakistan aims to raise awareness of these issues and encourage global action to protect high mountain ecosystems and address climate change.
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Snow leopards in Pakistan are a vital part of the country’s high mountain ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush. These elusive big cats are not only important for biodiversity but also serve as a symbol of the challenges posed by climate change. Pakistan is committed to protecting snow leopards and their habitats, recognizing them as key indicators of the health of these fragile ecosystems. Conservation efforts aim to raise awareness and promote actions to safeguard both the snow leopard and the broader environment in which they live.
