ISLAMABAD: At a defining moment for Tharparker’s biodiversity, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Corporation (SECMC) have collaborated to launch a detailed flora and fauna survey showcasing the ecological treasures of the region and highlighting conservation efforts.
As part of various mitigation and conservation strategies, the study recommends a series of sustainable actions that will increase Thar biodiversity and coexistence among its communities. These efforts include measures such as the development of seed banks for diverse floral habitats, as well as community-based sustainable practices to create balance between ecology and communities.
The launch of the study, conducted under the theme of Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation in Thar, saw the launch of the report and documentary conducted by experts from IUCN, SECMC, Sindh Wildlife Department, Pakistan Zoological Society and NGO Baanh Beli. among others.
Speaking at the meeting, Amir Iqbal, CEO of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Thar Foundation (TF), said: We accept our responsible duty to contribute as a future-oriented energy company committed to meeting the country’s energy needs through domestic resources. To protect Thar’s unique ecosystems and develop the community.
As we advance our mission of providing affordable electricity, we are committed to developing the socio-economic region of Thar and have launched a number of initiatives for this purpose, such as the Thar Million Trees programme, bio-saline farming and aquaculture. We are working to successfully grow apple fruit, animal fodder and Aloe Vera in the region and aim to maintain our vulture conservation program with the IUCN; In this way, more than 180 active nests for different species of endangered vultures are protected.
Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, IUCN Pakistan Country Representative, said: This intensive study was conducted in the Tharparker region to document the flora and fauna present in the region, analyze their distribution patterns, assess their susceptibility and identify potential threats to these invaluable natural resources. entities.
Cheema added that in the research, 149 plant species, including previously unknown ones, were detected in the region, and a total of 205 bird species, 41 mammal species, 31 reptile and amphibian species and 1065 invertebrate species were detected in the region.
In his speech, Baanhn Belis Javed Jabbar emphasized the importance of the study findings, which paved the way for a detailed presentation by Prof ZB Mirza, Conservation Specialist and lead author of the report, along with contributions from botanist Dr Muzafar Hussain Sirohi and Naveed. Ali Soomro, IUCN Pakistan Sindh Program Manager. Following the panel discussion on Thar’s Diversity, the screening of the documentary “Ecological Treasures of Thar” captivated the audience by offering a visual journey into the heart of Tharparker’s natural wonders.
Additionally, the documented species were evaluated according to the IUCN Red List of threatened flora and fauna, and 3 bird and 1 plant species were classified as critically endangered, 2 bird and 1 plant species were at risk of extinction, 6 birds were vulnerable, 10 bird and 1 plant species were identified as critically endangered. It was determined that there was 1 bird. mammal and 1 reptile are near threatened.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023
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