The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has acquired an important place in today’s surveys and research techniques used in wildlife and environmental conservation. To celebrate the International GIS Day 2018 an event was jointly organized on 14th November in International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) by Society for Conservation GIS and Department of Environmental Sciences IIU Islamabad in collaboration with Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) Islamabad, Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF), WCS Pakistan and Environmental Systems Research Institute (esri). Dr. Masoom Yasinzai Rector of the International Islamic University was the chief guest at the event.
In his welcome address the Chairman Environmental Sciences Dr. Muhammad Ibrar Shinwari informed the guests about the role of GIS in wildlife and environmental conservation. He appreciated the students for showing interest and seeking knowledge in the latest scientific techniques of surveys and research. The event was attended by students and officials including Dr. Muhammad Rafique Director General PMNH, Dr. Amjad Tahir Virk Chief Technical Advisor WCS Pakistan, Mr. Doost Ali Nawaz Pakistan Representative of Society for Conservation GIS, Mr. Moiz Rafi Assistant Director SLF and Dr. Rukhsana Tahir Acting Chairperson Department of Environmental Sciences Female Section IIUI.
In his address the chief guest of the event Dr. Masoom Yasinzai Rector of the IIUI congratulated the organizers for arranging this event which has provided valuable knowledge and information to the guests and the students about the importance of GIS and its role in conservation.
Dr. Muhammad Rafique Director General PMNH shared his views with the guests and students about the conservation efforts being made by various organizations to protect the wildlife and environment of Pakistan. He stressed on the need of using the GIS in conservation activities in order to achieve desired objectives from survey and research. The use of GIS can help in determining the status of various species including the species in the rivers and sea. He also shared with the guests that in Pakistan SLF introduced modern techniques like camera trapping and play a leading role in the field of wildlife conservation particularly in the snow leopard conservation.
A documentary “Trapping the Phantom” produced by Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) on camera trapping techniques and its impact on the snow leopard conservation was screened at the event.
In his vote of thanks, Dean Basic and Applied Sciences IIUI Dr. Arshad Zia thanked all the organizers and partners for organizing the event and appreciated the contribution of IIU management and faculty staff specially Dr. Zafeer Saqib and Mr. Doost ali Nawaz. The presence of officials from government and non-government organizations has encouraged the organizers to continue with arranging more events as they are very much beneficial for the students to get education and knowledge of advance scientific techniques and systems including GIS.
The students showed interest in the display stall of SLF where the students were provided information on the use of GIS by SLF in mapping and other research components.
By: SLF Admin 
