WWF-Pakistan

Our recent cleanup drive at Buchokemanhjha village in Lahore tackled the mounting solid waste discharge around our Floating Treatment Wetland, installed with the support of the Coca Cola Foundation.

Join us in restoring cleanliness to the wastewater ponds and surroundings, because a little cleanliness goes a long way!

Meet Sikander Ali, a fisherman turned citizen-scientist, spotting and saving Indus River dolphins. With just a mobile phone, Sikander reports sightings, contributing to their resurgence. 🐬

Read the full article: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/01/07/1223055617/an-endangered-river-dolphin-finds-an-unlikely-savior-fisherfolk

From the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, to the shores of Sindh we wish you all a very happy new year! Here's to another year of working together for the conservation of our precious environment, building climate resilience, and a thriving Pakistan.

Growing up in Balochistan's rugged landscapes, Mahnoor Luni's childhood was marked by a steadfast commitment to the environment. Early signs of this dedication included planting trees in her neighbourhood and actively participating in litter clean-up activities.

She joined Amnesty International at school, sparking the idea to create an organisation that not only addressed the needs of talented individuals but also provided a platform for local talent to contribute towards addressing local issues.

She always had a keen interest in fighting against climate change, but it was a casual picnic to Hanna Lake, a scenic spot on the outskirts of Quetta, that spurred her into active environmental work. Witnessing the scattered garbage in every corner and learning about the depleting Juniper Forests in Ziarat motivated her to initiate a movement.

Her main goal was raising awareness about the adverse effects on communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. Mahnoor strategically used social media to enlighten her peers about their environmental impact and gradually extended outreach to younger kids in local schools and neighbourhoods, firmly believing that change begins with a single person.

However, as a woman in a challenging field, she encountered adversity, facing non-serious remarks while seeking support for her organisation. She continued going from door to door until she found like-minded individuals who believed in her cause.

One of her significant contributions was a wall painting event during the COVID lockdown. The event showcased local youth talent while conveying important messages about lockdown precautions, water conservation, and tree plantation. This inspired similar initiatives across the province, demonstrating the power of youth-led action. Despite being in the final year of her MBBS degree and studying outside of Balochistan, Mahnoor actively shares her knowledge with others working on various initiatives throughout Balochistan.

Mahnoor, recipient of Syed Naseer Tareen Conservation Award, inspires new generation to embrace environmental stewardship, proving that one person can make a significant impact.

She stands as our hero - Face of Conservation.

Meet Sidra, a young environmental superhero in the fifth grade, residing in Farash Town, Islamabad.

Her daily routine goes beyond typical activities, as she navigates the challenges of living in a community grappling with water scarcity. Having lost her father years ago, Sidra has shouldered the responsibility of fetching water after school.

In light of this critical issue, WWF-Pakistan, under the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, is dedicated to providing accessible, clean and safe drinking water for every girl like Sidra and her community through water filtration plants.

Sidra's story is a reminder of the urgent need to address water issues and create a better future for communities like hers.

📊🐺Pakistan is a special place where different groups of wolves come together, showing an interesting mix of genetics throughout the country. The wolves in the Karakoram exhibit specialised adaptations to high-altitude mountain life, while their counterparts in Sindh thrive in the challenging desert conditions.

A recent study, titled 'Genomic Analysis of Wolves from Pakistan Clarifies Boundaries Among Three Divergent Wolf Lineages' by Hennelly et al. (2023) and co-authors from WWF-Pakistan delves into the incredible diversity of wolves across Pakistan's landscapes.

The research utilised advanced DNA sequencing techniques, from wolf p**p and tissue samples, to unravel Pakistan's wolf populations and compare them to global populations. The findings were astounding—Pakistan hosts a rich variety of wolf diversity.

Most notably, the study unveiled the presence of an ancient lineage - the Indian wolf lineage - in Sindh and Southern Punjab.

Unfortunately, this ancient Indian wolf lineage is facing challenges. In these regions, these wolves are highly endangered, and their numbers are thought to be declining. The exact population remains unknown, underscoring the urgency to protect and conserve this remarkable and distinct wolf population.

Let's work together to preserve the incredible of wolves in Pakistan!

🏔️ Here's a glimpse of from Gilgit-Baltistan!

Yesterday, we took meaningful steps toward a cleaner, greener future, aiming to instil a sense of responsibility towards our breathtaking mountains and their surroundings!

Under the theme "Restoring Mountain Ecosystem," WWF-Pakistan joined forces with Serena Hotels, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, GB Waste Management, GB Environmental Protection Agency, Ismaili Boys Scouts, and Karakoram International University for an impactful cleanliness drive from Jutial to Burmas Trek. 🚮

Despite the ecological importance of cetacean in combating climate change, these incredible creatures face threats.

Read about the challenges and WWF-Pakistan's commitment to cetacean conservation in the insightful article 'Sustaining Cetacean Harmony by Enhancing Conservation Measures in Pakistan' by Shoaib Abdul Razzaque, Coordinator Marine Programme, WWF-Pakistan.

WWF Blog WWF Blog

Mehreen Raziq, a resident of Nagri Bala, Nathiagali, transformed from one of the quiet faces of the community to a beacon of conservation.

In 2006, Mehreen's life took an unexpected turn, and she found herself shouldering the responsibility of two young children. Determined to overcome the challenges, she decided it was time to pursue a job. The first step in this newfound journey led her to a teaching position in a local private school.

It was here that she first heard about WWF-Pakistan and its common leopard conservation project. She was intrigued by the opportunity to make a difference and joined in 2012 as an awareness assistant. Despite societal norms questioning women working alongside men, she pushed forward, driven by the responsibilities on her shoulders.

As an awareness assistant, Mehreen played a major role in resolving human-wildlife conflict in the region, as the common leopards started entering human territory, posing a threat to the locals, especially women. Slowly but surely, through Mehreen’s awareness raising efforts, hearts and minds began to change and the community started to listen to her. As the community's mindset shifted, Mehreen found a renewed sense of purpose and passion in her work.

The job that started as a mere obligation transformed into a passion right before her eyes!

Working from dawn till dusk, Mehreen navigated the complexities of being a dedicated professional and a loving mother. At home, she wears the hat of a devoted mother, engaging in all the activities that made her children happy.

Currently, Mehreen is working as a community mobilizer and has emerged as a driving force in implementing WWF-Pakistan's water conservation interventions in the region. under the Nike project. With relentless determination, she raised awareness about the health hazards associated with improper waste disposal, connecting the dots between solid waste and the scarcity of clean water.

Today, she is not just a face in the crowd but is known and regarded for her commitment to conservation in Nathiagali, which makes her our hero - Face of Conservation.

💧 that 100 individuals collectively use 4,500 litres of water in a mosque for ablution – enough to water a 1,360 sq ft lawn? 🕌

Under the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, WWF-Pakistan is making a significant impact by implementing ablution water reuse systems at Mosque Noorani and Mosque Khulfa e Rasheeden in Farash Town, Islamabad.

This initiative has successfully conserved 438 cubic metres of water over three months— equivalent to irrigating a 1,360 sq ft lawn 137 times!

Here is a peek into the start of the Gender Ecology Project's game jam in collaboration with Mindstorm Studios, supported by the British Council. Students from various Lahore universities delved into board game creation, addressing the theme 'Out of Thin Air' and sharing ways to mitigate climate change effects on marginalized communities.

Today, the stage is set for the grand reveal!

Students will present their innovative games, bringing the issue of climate change to life. The anticipation is high as we await the winner, who will be honored for their impactful contribution.

Meet our Geographical Information System (GIS) Team!

At the core of conservation, our GIS team monitors land cover changes, maps biodiversity, and delves into the complexities of our precious water resources. Their work extends to delineating protected areas and watersheds, providing insights for decision-making.

They also assess forest cover, monitor its health and growth status, and contribute to mapping forest inventory. The team also conducts wildlife population assessments, helping us monitor the impact of both natural and anthropogenic factors on species.

This , join us in acknowledging and saluting these unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future!

Unveiling our limited edition of wonders! ✨ Crafted with love by the local communities in .

Click the link to get yours and support these – a portion of the proceeds will go directly to these artisans, supporting their craft and community.
https://wwfasia.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/products-catalogue-small.pdf

To order, please contact:
Nadeem Sheikh
[email protected]
+92 321 5643201

📣 Calling all nature enthusiasts and storytellers! Join us for an immersive experience where creativity meets conservation.

Explore the world of digital storytelling at the Conservation Pathfinders: Mastering the Art of Digital Storytelling Workshop!

🗓️ Save the date: 29 November 2023
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
📍Location: Government College University, Lahore

Become part of a dynamic community dedicated to driving change through the power of digital narratives!

🔗 Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ydp-workshop

Registration deadline: 20 November 2023

Nisar Ahmed, hailing from the breathtaking landscape of Gulmit Gojal, Hunza, began his journey with a simple desire to capture the essence of his mountainous homeland. From childhood, his fascination with painting mountains, bird watching, and hiking laid the foundation for his passion today.

He was the first person to graduate in film from his area. He embraced this powerful medium to educate and sensitise communities. From a local school in Gulmit Gojal to the University of Sydney, and then in Thailand and Indonesia, his experiences shaped him into an advocate for conservation.

His films have been showcased on prestigious platforms like the London Film Festival and the Asia Film Festival, echoing the silent cries of the states of our environment. Addressing issues from wildlife to water conservation, the films have garnered national and international acclaim. ‘Burning Paradise ', which highlights female education in the Swat Valley, earned a special mention at the South Asia Film Festival.

In 2019, Nisar joined WWF-Pakistan, and as Coordinator Communications, he continues to sculpt the narrative of environmental consciousness. He introduced the 'Bam e Dunya' film festival, which has been endorsed by the Gilgit-Baltistan government, to empower and recognize filmmakers using their skill to create environmental awareness, particularly about the unique issues facing mountains and mountain communities.

He actively engaged in numerous transformative initiatives, spearheading media campaigns, formulating effective media strategies, and conducting workshops for journalists, students, and the youth. His close collaboration with both government and private schools is helping foster environmental education, and has resulted in the establishment of thriving environmental clubs. Thirty nature clubs stand testament to his dedication under the 'Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan' project.

Nisar Ahmed is an inspiration for all to pick up the torch of conservation and light the way for a sustainable future, which makes him our hero - Face of Conservation.

Our Freshwater team collaborated with SYNCH Solidarity Among The Young Nation For Change to set up a free medical camp at Naseebabad, Lahore.

Through the camp, we raised awareness regarding waterborne diseases and highlighted the importance of adopting proper personal hygiene practices.

More than 100 patients were attended to at the camp, with most being diagnosed with gastrointestinal issues, skin related problems and the seasonal flu. Patients with serious conditions were referred to specialists.