Awareness walk, speeches highlight role of wildlife conservation in ecological balance and human wellbeing
Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) observed World Wildlife Day on Tuesday to raise awareness about protecting endangered species, combating wildlife crime, and promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Participants also took part in an awareness walk organized to mark the day and highlight the importance of wildlife conservation among the public.
The event was jointly organized by PFI in collaboration with the NTFP Directorate and WWF Pakistan under the theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Director General PFI Manzoor Ahmad attended the ceremony as chief guest. Director Forest Education Atif Majeed, Director KP Forest Directorate Rasheed Hussain, Coordinator Amjad Rehman, Senior Conservation Officer of WWF Aimal Khan, along with experts and a large number of students, were also present.
Speakers emphasized that wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by supporting biodiversity and ensuring healthy ecosystems. They noted that wildlife contributes directly to human wellbeing by providing food, medicine, and economic opportunities, adding that protecting wildlife ultimately means protecting humanity itself.
Addressing the gathering, DG Manzoor Ahmad said this year’s theme of World Wildlife Day holds special significance for Pakistan. He highlighted that medicinal and aromatic plants are essential for both human health and environmental sustainability, as many communities rely on traditional medicines for primary healthcare while numerous modern medicines are also derived from natural plants.
He added that these plants support industries such as cosmetics and food production while strengthening ecosystems through biodiversity conservation and pollination. However, habitat loss and overharvesting are placing many species at risk, making their conservation a global priority.
Other speakers said the Pakistan Forest Institute, as a premier institution, plays a key role in professional education and training in forestry, wildlife management, and allied disciplines. The institute also conducts research and contributes to policy development aimed at sustainable forest and wildlife conservation.
At the conclusion of the event, shields and certificates were distributed among winners of a speech competition, followed by an awareness walk to promote public understanding of wildlife conservation and the significance of the day.
