Daily Times

LAHORE: The World Environment Day (WED) was observed across the provincial capital with an aim to preserve the, which is a source of income for every country. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Pakistan, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and Lahore Zoo separately celebrated WED and arranged walks and informative session for public where speakers highlighted the importance of WED besides raising awareness on illegal trade of wildlife and environment friendly initiatives towards better environment. This year, the WED campaign aimed at creating awareness on wildlife crime under the slogan “Go Wild for Life, Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade”. WED is an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which was originally established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. In 1998, the Pakistan Environment Act was introduced along with other hard laws that have been formulated for cleanliness drive purpose in the rural as well as urban areas. WWF-Pakistan Director General Hammad Naqi Khan on the occasion stressed the urgency and need to put an end to illegal trade of wildlife. “Action against illegal wildlife trade has become a high global priority with the United Nations General Assembly adopting a resolution last year urging all countries to make this a serious criminal offence. The flourishing illegal trade, if not curtailed, will rob the world of its natural treasures by pushing species towards extinction. We are at a crossroad where we must choose between mere lip service and plain old hard work towards eradicating this severe problem,” he added. He further appealed the government, civil society and business community to do whatever they can to stop the illegal trade of wildlife. Separately, LWMC and Lahore Zoo marked the World Environment Day 2016 at Lahore Zoo in order to highlight this year’s global theme. Celebrations included an awareness walk, plantation, camping, public briefing, leafleting and a massive cleanup operation in and around Lahore Zoo. Awareness walk at Lahore Zoo was led by LWMC Chairman Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmad and Managing Director Bilal Mustafa Syed. Students from Lahore College Women University, Government College University also participated in the campaign with enthusiasm.