Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan, Ignacio Artaza was the chief guest while Professor Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, National Programme Director (SLMP-II), Ishrat Ali, Hamid Marwat, National Programme Coordinator (SLMP-II), Professor Dr. Maqsood Anwar, Dean Faculty of Forestry, Range Management and Wildlife, Professor Dr. Sarwat N. Mirza, Chairman Department of Forestry & Range Management of PMAS-AAUR, deans, directors, faculty members and large numbers of students were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the audience at the seminar, Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan, Ignacio Artaza emphasised to mainstream efforts for sustainable land management to combat desertification.
He said, "Desertification is a global phenomenon, affecting the livelihoods of 900 million people across the five continents and representing a third of worldwide threats to biodiversity.
It requires global attention and local action."
Mr. Artaza acknowledged efforts by the Ministry of Climate Change and appreciated Sustainable Land Management Programme (SLMP) for on-the-ground efforts to combat desertification in 14 districts in all four provinces of the country.
Professor Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor PMAS AAUR, highlighted the role university was playing for better climate in the country.
He emphasised that such collaborative activities must be strengthened and taken forward for fighting desertification in Pakistan.
He also appreciated UNDP Pakistan and Ministry of Climate Change for taking the lead in sustainable land management through their joint programme, SLMP.
“Rainwater harvesting is the best source to meet the agriculture needs also improves the quality and quantity of produce”, he added.
National Programme Director (SLMP-II), Ishrat Ali informed the audience that Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) was aware of the threats posed by desertification, land degradation and drought to environmental sustainability and appreciates value of policy, projects and programme’s interventions in combating desertification, land degradation and drought.