Agreement signed to preserve Taxila archaeological heritage

Islamabad:The Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan (GRCP) and Odyssey, a member of the Climate Hub Forum (CHF), has struck a formal agreement for joining hands to foster sustainable practices and preserving cultural heritage to promote Gandhara civilisation.

The purpose of this Agreement is to establish a formal partnership between Odyssey and GRCP to collaboratively develop sustainable heritage tourism projects, promote Gandhara and Buddhist heritage, and raise cultural awareness through research, education, and sustainable practices.

Under this agreement, there are some major objectives including establishing collaboration to create sustainable heritage tourism projects highlighting Gandhara and Buddhist heritage, conduct and digitize comprehensive research on Gandhara heritage, promote cultural awareness through seminars, exhibitions, and implement and promote sustainable tourism practices in line with sustainable development principles.

The Climate Change and Environmental Education Training Program organised a training program in the backdrop of Taxila, a city steeped in the rich history of the Gandhara Civilization. The training program was jointly organized by the Climate Hub Forum and Odyssey, in collaboration with EYLAR (Early Years Learning and Research), and hosted by the Gandhara Resource Centre in Pakistan at Sir Syed Innovative School Mohra Muradu, Taxila.

The event was attended by teachers, community leaders, dignitaries and people from all walks of life. It was stressed upon that this initiative embodies a collective resolve to address pressing environmental challenges through education and action. The event/ training revolves into three core area which includes: Climate Change Education: Learn about the urgent impacts of climate change and discover effective strategies for environmental education.

Heritage Preservation: Dive into the rich history of the Gandhara Civilization and explore techniques t protect our invaluable Buddhist heritage sites.Sustainable Tourism: Understand the importance of eco-friendly tourism practices and their role in attracting global tourists while preserving our cultural legacy.

The event featured addresses from a distinguished lineup of individuals, including event Amir Sodazai, CEO Climate Hub Forum; Erum Khan, Director Odyssey; Batool Siddique, EYLAR CEO, Riaz Ahmed, Coordinator GRCP; Iftikhar ud din Siddique, Manager PR and Community Outreach; Iftikhar Ahmed, Member of the Core Committee GRCP; Sohail Ahmed, Manager Media; Pervaiz Khan, a renowned painter; Salman Tahir, CEO Taxila Baithak; Asif Fareed, Co-Founder Taxila Baithak; Tahir Mehmood Sheikh, Ex- Service man; Professor Turab Haider Naqvi, UET, Mumtaz Hussain, Managing Director, Hunza Lounge Adventure, Muhammad Hamza, Producer/ Lecture Media National Excellence Institute and Waqas Ahmed, a social activist.

Following the successful conclusion of the Climate Change and Environmental Education Training Program in Taxila, a significant step towards fostering sustainable practices and preserving cultural heritage was taken. A formal agreement was signed between the Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan (GRCP) and the Climate Hub Forum, solidifying a partnership aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, education, and research initiatives.

Representatives from both organisations underscored the importance of integrating environmental conservation with cultural preservation. The agreement outlines collaborative efforts to develop eco-friendly tourism practices that respect Taxila’s rich archaeological heritage while enhancing local community engagement. It also emphasizes educational programs that raise awareness about the interconnectedness of cultural and natural resources, inspiring future generations to become stewards of their environment.