A high-level meeting, chaired by NWFP Governor Lieutenant General Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai (Retd) unanimously resolved to take concrete steps and integrate the efforts for wildlife conservation and development in Hazara division and decided to chalk out an effective strategy in this regard at the provincial level.
The meeting held here at Governor's House was attended by the provincial secretaries of Environment, Finance, Planning and Development and Agriculture departments, Vice Chancellor Hazara University, IGF, representatives of different governmental and non-governmental organisations dealing with Wildlife conservation, Perra, UNDP and officials of Forest and Wildlife departments besides Secretary to Governor. Chief Conservator Wildlife through a presentation highlighted the achievements, problems and prospects of Wildlife conservation in Hazara division.
Aurakzai said that NWFP, Fata and Northern Areas had a unique and very attractive flora and fauna, adding: "We must try to further enhance efforts to preserve the rich treasure, we have in the shape of Wildlife". He stressed the need for acquiring a well thought-out system that ensures skill development and training facilities in this particular field.
He viewed the community participation, mass awareness, better management and proper strategy a must for wildlife conservation, saying the respective communities should be given attractive incentives for their effective participation in all the efforts in this regard.
"The ideas must be put in action", he said while appreciating the efforts of the Wildlife department. He stressed the need for strict enforcement of relevant laws, saying the gaps in this regard needed to be filled.
On a point, the governor directed that the zoo proposed to be established in Wazir Bagh, the highly populous area of Peshawar City, and in Azakhel Park in Nowshera, which is ideally situated for the purpose. The botanical garden proposed by the University of Peshawar should either be located elsewhere or made a part of the zoo.
Aurakzai also directed to establish a research cell in the department for carrying out research on all aspects of wildlife and its habitat to ultimately support management decisions. He also directed to strengthen the wildlife administrative system by appointment of appropriate staff. Need for promoting wildlife farming and training of community members in captive breeding of wildlife was also realised.