ISLAMABAD  – Like other parts of the world, nature lovers and environmentalists observed World Nature Conservation Day on Saturday across Pakistan with the theme of increasing awareness about the precious natural resources on the earth.
According to the environmentalists, “Nature provides us with various indispensable services which has made possible human existence on the planet.
Right from the air we breathe to the raw material required for the development process, everything is provided by nature.” The rapid development process is putting pressure on the natural resources like air, water, forests, wildlife, fossil fuels and minerals.
Excessive and unsustainable use of these resources is causing degradation of nature.
Hence the need for `Nature Conservation’ is felt all over the world, which is the wise management and utilization of natural resources.
Talking to APP here, President, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STNP), Aftab Rana said, celebration of this day is important in raising awareness for nature conservation especially in Pakistan where uncontrolled development is creating stress on nature.
For conserving nature, there was a need for promoting and creating awareness about biodiversity and natural environment mainly in mountainous regions of Kaghan Valley, Naran, Lake Saif-ul-Maluk and adjacant tourist spots where visitors damage natural environment by way of throwing garbage, he said.
Various international, national steps have been taken for conservation of nature throughout the world while all the Government initiatives and legal framework to protect nature needs to be supported by active public participation.
He said the nature conservation day can also be observed individually by helping in conservation activities in the surrounding of natural areas as people can participate in the environment awareness activities, wise use of resources like paper, fuel etc., efficient use of water and energy at home, avoid use of plastic bags while shopping, be a responsible tourist by practicing eco-tourism, avoid littering around during travel, appreciate nature and keep vigilance on surrounding nature destruction and inform concerned authorities.
The ST to establish Pakistan as a nature friendly, culture friendly and people friendly tourist destination. “Our mission is to promote and facilitate the growth of sustainable and equitable tourism in Pakistan in close partnership with concerned stakeholders from the public, private and NGO sectors,” he said.