WWF-Pak distributes awards to conservationists

ISLAMABAD: WWF-Pakistan has organized the Syed Asad Ali Conservation Award, Women in Nature Conservation Award and The Living Planet Award distribution ceremony to acknowledge the efforts of conservationists who struggled to protect the environment and sensitized masses through their conservation awareness efforts. According to a statement issued here on Thursday, The Syed Asad Ali Award for Nature Conservation pays tribute to late Syed Asad Ali for hiscontributions to nature conservation in Pakistan.

This year the award was presented to Lal Bibi from Lasbella,Balochistan. She was presented the award, certificate and cheque by Syed Babar Ali, President Emeritus, WWF-Pakistan. Lal Bibi, founder of the Sahil Women Welfare Society received this award for her untiring efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices in Gadani Town, Balochistan.

Lal Bibi has also helped 60 fisherfolk families in improving the quality of fish catch by providing them insulated fish boxes. Her most significant contribution to conservation was rescuing 200 stranded pan-tropical spotted dolphins in Gadani, Balochistan, by leading a group of fishermen during a 15 hour operation, which resulted in the safe rescue and release of the dolphins. WWFPakistan initiated the Women in Nature Conservation Award in 2012 to recognize the significant role of women in the management and conservation of natural resources. This award was inspired by the Syed Asad Ali Conservation Award's motive of recognizing communities involved in nature conservation.

This year the award was presented to Nuzhat Siddiqui and Nazia Ihsan. Brigadier (Rtd) Mukhtar Ahmad, Vice President Emeritus, WWF- Pakistan presented the awards, certificates and cheques to the recipients. Nuzhat Siddiqui, an environmental educationist, is carrying out capacity building activities in 630 city government schools and has also co-authored a publication titled Sehatmand Mahol aur Khawateen, published by WWF-Pakistan under its Indus for All Programme (IFAP).