Youth urged to plant trees to preserve nature

Islamabad : On International Biodiversity Day (IBD), speakers at an event urged youth to plant as much trees as possible to preserve the nature.

The event was organised by Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) in collaboration with Technology Times, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) and International Islamic University (IIU).

This year’s theme of International Biodiversity Day is ‘Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity’ to mark the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and to highlight progress made in the achievement of its objectives at the national and global levels.

The chief guest of the event, First Secretary Science and Technology, Embassy of People’s Republic of China Jia Wei stated that biodiversity underpins the sustainable development of economy and society. He further provided that the Chinese government and people are fully committed to conserve biodiversity at every level beside being one of the early signatories of CBD.

The Chairman PCRWR, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf while delivering the keynote address said that the forests and trees are basic essentials to preserve biodiversity on earth. He further advised the youth to play their due role and plant as much trees as possible. The Country Manager ICIMOD, Dr Wahid Jasra highlighted the efforts of ICIMOD in past 25 years since the CBD in Himalayan region.

Speakers from Technology Times, WWF and IUCN also gave presentations on their activities. Student speakers from IIUI also delivered speeches on the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity through societies. The event closed by the distribution of souvenirs to the participants.