Pakistan Leads Global Initiative to Make Snow Leopard a Climate Adaptation Symbol
Pakistan, alongside the 12 member countries of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), is accelerating efforts to designate the snow leopard as an international symbol of climate adaptation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a high-level meeting held by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, outlined the initiative’s key steps.
These include sending official communications to the UNGA, countries with snow leopard populations, and key wildlife conservation organizations.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will play a vital role in ensuring a unified national approach, and global diplomatic efforts will be coordinated with snow leopard range states.
Pakistan aims to present a strong case at the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November.
Romina Khurshid highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to wildlife conservation, stating, “The snow leopard is more than just a symbol of natural beauty; it is a critical indicator of climate change.
Pakistan is among the nations most affected by climate change, and we are ready to take every necessary action to raise awareness and support efforts to address its impacts.”
Ambassador for Wildlife, Sardar Jamal Ahmad Khan Leghari, praised Pakistan’s leadership in the initiative, working closely with GSLEP member countries to position the snow leopard as a global symbol of climate resilience. He expressed optimism that the collective efforts will lead to the UN adopting the proposal.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, noted Pakistan’s significant role, emphasizing that the country is home to a substantial population of the vulnerable species.
He believes the resolution could raise global awareness about climate change and improve Pakistan’s international reputation.
Koustubh Sharma of GSLEP thanked Pakistan for its leadership, acknowledging the initiative’s potential to advance snow leopard conservation.
He emphasized the importance of continued efforts ahead of COP29 to raise awareness and mobilize international support for the cause.