Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Pakistan has reiterated its pledge to promote the snow leopard as an international symbol of high mountain ecology and climate adaptation.

This announcement was made by Romina Khursheed Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, during the "Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards, 2024" ceremony. The upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku provides a crucial platform to highlight this initiative.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the snow leopard's significance in high mountain ecosystems was reaffirmed during the 8th Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) meeting in Samarkand.

The UN Secretary-General has been requested to officially recognise the snow leopard as a powerful symbol of the challenges these fragile ecosystems face due to climate change.

Asia's high mountains, home to the world's 14 highest peaks, are experiencing rapid warming, impacting glaciers and ecosystems across vast regions.

Pakistan, particularly vulnerable to climate change, has witnessed significant glacier retreat, affecting various aspects of life and wildlife habitats.

The designation of the snow leopard as a symbol aims to raise awareness of these challenges and promote concerted action to address climate change and protect high mountain ecosystems.

WAM