MARDAN: Wildlife officials have held a meeting with local communities in Rustam to strengthen community participation in wildlife protection and the sustainable management of natural habitats.
The meeting was held on October 6 at the Pirsai Unit No. 04 Community Managed Game Reserve in Sakra Wildlife Range, Rustam, under the project “Conservation, Development and Management of Wildlife in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under 10BTTP Upscaling of Green Pakistan Programme – Revival of Wildlife Resources in Pakistan.”
Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife Mardan Izaz Ali Shah attended the meeting, which was conducted by Range Wildlife Officer Sakra Range Ahmad Badshad.
The meeting focused on involving the Village Conservation Committee and local residents in protecting wildlife resources and maintaining healthy natural habitats.
Wildlife officials highlighted the importance of community support in preventing illegal hunting, trapping and other activities that threaten wildlife and biodiversity.
Local community members were encouraged to take an active role in wildlife protection and support conservation initiatives in their areas. Their participation was described as important for ensuring the long-term protection and sustainable management of wildlife resources.
The meeting also highlighted the role of community-managed conservation areas in bringing local residents and wildlife authorities together to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Stronger cooperation between communities and wildlife authorities can help reduce pressure on wildlife habitats and promote more sustainable conservation practices across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
