Groundbreaking held for snow leopard research centre in Gojal

In Gojal, Gilgit-Baltistan, a research and education centre dedicated to snow leopard conservation and mountain ecosystems was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, signaling the launch of an ambitious project. The Snow Leopard and Mountain Biodiversity and Research Centre is being constructed by the Passu Development Organisation, with crucial support from WWF-Pakistan and WWF-Italy.

Esteemed attendees included Hammad Naqi, the director general of WWF-Pakistan; Karim, president of the Regional Council Hunza; former tourism minister Raja Shahbaz Khan; the Gojal magistrate; and numerous conservation allies, officials, and local residents.

The centre's primary purpose is to provide researchers, students, and conservationists with a strategic location for studying the diverse flora and fauna of Gilgit-Baltistan and surrounding mountainous regions, with a special focus on the snow leopard and its habitat. Additionally, the facility aims to promote sustainable conservation methods and enhance public awareness of the region’s ecological importance.

As a hub for local communities, researchers, conservation practitioners, and educational institutions, the centre serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and coordinated conservation efforts.

Hammad Naqi emphasized the significance of collaboration among local communities, civil society organizations, and conservation institutions. He highlighted that involving local communities in conservation efforts not only makes the process more meaningful and sustainable but also plays a pivotal role in protecting the snow leopard and its mountainous habitat.

Organizers described the centre as a long-term endeavour focused on bolstering scientific understanding and community engagement in preserving GB’s ecosystems for future generations.