Published on July 31, 2026 | Two minutes read time
Ali Shahid
ISLAMABAD: A community-based organisation from Upper Chitral has received the inaugural Ashiq Ahmad Khan Community-Based Conservation Excellence Award 2026 for its outstanding contribution to wildlife conservation and community-led environmental protection.
The Valley Conservation and Development Organization (VCDO) of Zondrangram was presented the award at the Pakistan Wildlife Protection Awards ceremony held in Islamabad to mark World Ranger Day. British High Commissioner in Pakistan Jane Marriott was guest of honor at the award distribution ceremony.
The award was introduced this year on the recommendation of the National Committee to recognise local initiatives that are playing an important role in protecting wildlife and promoting conservation across Pakistan.
The ceremony was organised by the Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the British High Commission Pakistan.
Another conservation worker, Head Wildlife Watcher Nasir Ahmad from Lower Chitral, was also honoured with the Markhor Award for his services in protecting wildlife in the region.
Chitral’s mountainous landscape is home to several rare species, including snow leopards, markhor, ibex and other wildlife. Conservation efforts in the region depend largely on the cooperation of local communities, wildlife officials and conservation organisations working in difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Snow Leopard Foundation Pakistan Director Dr Muhammad Ali Nawaz said lasting conservation success was only possible through cooperation between local communities, wildlife departments and conservation experts.
He said rangers and local communities in Pakistan’s mountain regions had shown that sustained efforts, mutual trust and patience could help restore wildlife populations and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Minister of State for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Shezra Mansab Kharal, who attended the event as chief guest, said wildlife was a national asset and its protection required collective responsibility.
She appreciated the efforts of wildlife rangers and local communities working to protect forests, mountains and biodiversity despite challenging conditions.