The Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) celebrated World Environment Day 2017 in Chitral on June 5, 2017. The event was organized by the Nature Clubs of SLF Program Areas and the SLF Program Office in Chitral, with support from the Wildlife Department Chitral, Education Department Chitral, Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Forest Department Chitral, and Chitral Gol National Park.

The event took place at Ideal Public School Koghuzi, where a drawing and painting competition was arranged for school children who were members of nature clubs in SLF program areas. The competition’s theme, “Snow Leopard Habitat,” aligned with that year’s Environment Day theme, “Connecting People to Nature,” aiming to raise awareness among children about the relationship between humans, wildlife, and nature. The focus was on the importance of each element in the ecosystem and the need for protection and conservation.

DFO Wildlife Chitral Gol National Park, Abdul Samad Wazir, served as the chief guest at the event, while renowned journalist and artist Muhkamud-Din presided over the proceedings. Thirty-two students, divided into six groups, participated in the drawing and painting competition. They were given one hour to depict the theme, “Snow Leopard Habitat.” In total, over seventy students took part in various competitions and activities during the event. The chief guest presented prizes to the winners of the painting competition, while the principal of Ideal Public School, Mr. Atiq Ur Rehman, was awarded a shield for his special contribution in hosting the event at the school.

Speaking at the ceremony, the chief guest commended all participants and organizers for making the event successful and memorable. “I am extremely impressed with the quality of the students’ paintings, which showed a high standard of creativity,” said DFO Wildlife Chitral Gol National Park Abdul Samad Wazir. He also emphasized the importance of organizing similar events regularly to build the students’ capacity and foster interest in wildlife and environmental conservation.

Mr. Khurshid Ali Shah, Senior Associate for Conservation at SLF Chitral Office, expressed gratitude to the Wildlife Department Chitral, Education Department Chitral, Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Forest Department Chitral, Chitral Gol National Park, and the local community for their support in organizing the event. He also informed participants and guests about SLF’s ongoing commitment to protecting and conserving wildlife and ecosystems in the region. SLF’s livestock vaccination and ecosystem health training programs have been well received by the local community, helping to reduce livestock mortality by controlling various animal diseases.