Responsible tourism vital for environment: PM’s adviser

Education and awareness about responsible tourism plays an important role in a successful ecotourism model, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam.

He was addressing a gathering of community members at the inaugural ceremony of first conservation tourism site in Hopar valley, district Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a press release.

The conservation tourism project is initiated by Snow Leopard Foundation under Pakistan Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (PSLEP).

Mr Aslam was received by Rizwan Ali, member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly at the ceremony. Senior officials of district management, forest and wildlife departments, chairman and members of Hopar Community Development Organization, Ecotourism Management Committee were also present.

The adviser said Hopar valley is gifted with unlimited gifts of nature and wildlife species including snow leopards.

“We need to show these gifts to the world through tourism without damaging or disturbing the biodiversity of the valley.” He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan the government had taken measures to promote tourism in Pakistan and formulated policies to ensure the presence of maximum numbers of tourists from all over the world.

Deputy Director SLF and National Project Manager PSLEP Jaffar Uddin briefed the adviser about the progress of the conservation tourism project. He appreciated the efforts of Snow Leopard Foundation in developing these sites and hoped that it will certainly help in promoting the tourism and also will help in livelihood enhancement of the local community.