Pakistan has established its National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) for environmental protection, which include a pledge to protect 30 percent of its land and sea areas by 2030, in accordance with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The media spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Mohammad Saleem Shaikh stated that the targets were finalised after comprehensive consultations with both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders throughout the nation.
“These targets have been synchronised with global frameworks, ensuring that Pakistan’s biodiversity priorities address both ecological conservation requirements and wider developmental goals,” he added.
Shaikh indicated that the targets received approval during a two-day high-level meeting held in Islamabad, presided over by the ministry’s secretary.
The sessions included representatives from federal ministries, provincial departments of environment, forestry, and wildlife, as well as academia and development partners.
Among the attendees were Additional Secretary-I Dr. Saad S Khan, Director of Biodiversity Naeem Ashraf Raja, and Conservator of Wildlife Samar Hussain Khan.
According to Shaikh, the NBTs offer a definitive roadmap for Pakistan’s conservation and environmental protection initiatives, going beyond ecosystem protection and restoration, sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity financing, and inclusive governance.
“The newly established targets will steer Pakistan’s biodiversity efforts in the forthcoming years and facilitate the execution of the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2026–2030),” he further stated.
Plantation drive on Rawalpindi Ring Road takes off
Earlier, the Parks and Horticulture Agency (PHA) announced that the multi-billion-rupee Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which is approaching completion, will involve the planting of 80,000 saplings along both sides of its 38-kilometre stretch as part of a comprehensive beautification and environmental effort.
According to sources, the planting activities will begin once the boundary fencing is installed on both sides of the Ring Road to protect the plants.
Read more: Rawalpindi Ring Road to get 80,000 saplings in major plantation drive
