Gilgit: A Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, was signed between the Forest, Wildlife and Environment Department of the Government of Gilgit – Baltistan and the Wildlife Conservation and Development Society, WCDS, to promote integrated natural resource management and biodiversity conservation in the region.

The agreement was signed by Secretary Forest, Wildlife and Environment Sayyed Abdul Waheed Shah on behalf of the department and Dr Mayoor Khan, CEO of WCDS, during a ceremony held at the office of the Secretary Forest in Gilgit. Senior officials of the department attended the event.

Officials said the MoU aims to strengthen local community governance structures, promote community based wildlife conservation and improve livelihoods through sustainable management of natural resources across the mountain landscapes of Gilgit – Baltistan.

Under the agreement, both sides will work jointly to promote biodiversity conservation, conduct annual wildlife population surveys and research, and support integrated forest and natural resource management initiatives.

The MoU also focuses on strengthening community based institutions, establishing Community Managed Conservancies, promoting conservation awareness and implementing field based conservation and climate resilience projects in Gilgit – Baltistan.

Officials said WCDS has been supporting the government in establishing community based organisations and controlled hunting areas across the region, contributing to the recovery of key wildlife species including the flare horned markhor, Ladakh urial and woolly flying squirrel.