The Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) celebrated Biodiversity Day 2017 on May 22 at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) in Islamabad. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan Science Foundation, PMNH, Ministry of Climate Change, and SLF.

A large number of students from schools, colleges, and universities in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mirpur AJK, and Haripur KPK attended the event. The Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Climate Change & Green Pakistan Programme, Syed Rizwan Mehboob, was the chief guest.

One of the key highlights was the launch of a cartoon storybook about the conflict between humans and snow leopards, published by the Snow Leopard Foundation. Additionally, fresh and dry flower arrangements added to the charm of the event. Display stalls from various organizations further enriched the celebration.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Nawaz, Founder Director of the Snow Leopard Foundation, explained the theme and purpose behind the book titled “Barfani Cheetey Se Dushmani Kiyun Kar?” (Why Make the Snow Leopard an Enemy?). He emphasized the importance of raising awareness and providing environmental education to children. Written in Urdu to ensure accessibility, the book delivers a powerful message in a simple and engaging way. It was written by Prof. Zahid Baig Mirza, with cartoons illustrated by Huma Wasiq. Dr. Ali expressed his gratitude to both the author and the artist for addressing the critical issue of human-snow leopard conflict. This is the first environmental education book published by SLF, with plans for more books on similar themes. These books will be distributed free of charge in schools across the Gilgit and Chitral regions, as well as nationwide. The school children and other attendees showed great interest in the book at the SLF stall.

During the inaugural session, Syed Rizwan Mehboob, the chief guest, praised the efforts of the organizing partners, particularly Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation, and Dr. Muhammad Rafique, Director General of PMNH, for making the event a success. He also applauded the participation of children, especially in the tableau on the Biodiversity Day theme: “Sustainable Tourism.” He encouraged participants to contribute ideas to enhance public awareness and education on environmental conservation and ecotourism.

A technical session followed the inaugural ceremony and prize distribution. Scholars, environmentalists, and biologists from various universities delivered brief lectures on the importance of biodiversity and its components. This session was attended by university students and other participants.

The Snow Leopard Foundation, dedicated to the conservation of snow leopards, their prey species, and habitat in Pakistan, has been actively working on these initiatives for over 11 years. The organization’s programs aim to protect snow leopards and their fragile ecosystems by promoting community-based conservation actions. SLF also supports communities through projects that improve livelihoods by providing training in livestock and natural resource management.

Pakistan is one of the twelve countries where snow leopards are found, and the species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).