MINGORA: The researchers and experts in the field of plants sciences and biodiversity urged collective efforts for preservation of natural resources in Pakistan, where high increase rate in population is the main cause of exploiting the natural resources, forcing the country to face the possible adverse impact of climate change and issues relating to biodiversity.
The remarks came during an inaugural session of three-day 5th international conference on ‘Advances in Biosciences: Bridging the Gap between Research and Sustainable Development Goals’ which was held here at Wadudia Hall, Saidu Sharif, Swat on Tuesday. The conference has been organized by the Center for Plants Sciences and Biodiversity, University of Swat in collaboration with Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, Biological Society of Pakistan and Pakistan Science Foundation.
Addressing the inaugural session as chief guest, secretary Higher Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dawood Khan said that it was very unfortunate that human beings were involved in misuse of the natural capitals “biodiversity is critical for human existence, but it [biodiversity] is also under huge threats globally” he added. He said that biodiversity was source of healthy foods and medicines, “thus it secures our health and life” he maintained.
Mr. Khan urged the participants and researchers to contribute their scholastic insights, motivating people for playing their role in preservation of natural resources, “giving the nature half the chance and it [nature] will bounce back with a lot of benefits to your life” he commented.
In his inaugural speech, the Vice Chancellor, University of Swat Prof. Dr. Hassan Sher said that the entire world was facing enormous challenges relating to climate change and biodiversity, adding that Pakistan is one of the vulnerable countries, where high increase in population has been responsible for the exploitation of natural resources. Referring to local climate, he said that over-exploitation of the natural resources and lack of interest to preserve the nature, caused ‘uncertain-weather’ in the region. The Vice Chancellor said that Swat university has taken initiative to host this important event, which is aimed at providing a platform to researchers and experts in the field of plants sciences and biodiversity, making it possible for them to share their expert views and research findings, “ the conference, where researchers from 32 different universities of Pakistan and some renowned researchers from abroad are participating, will be helpful in devising strategies for meeting with challenges of climate change and biodiversity” he remarked.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Agriculture University, Peshawar Prof. Dr. Jehan Bakht said that 2.5% increase in population is putting a lot of pressure on natural resources, turning Pakistan into 10th country of the world who have been badly impacting of the climate changes. “Unnecessary use of pesticides in the region are causing different diseases to human beings as well as the other inhabitants of the nature” he said and added that if exploitation of natural resources continue, it is expected that Pakistan would face a huge water shortage by the year 2025.
Earlier, three eminent scholars from Pakistan, South Korea and the US have presented their research studies on broader topic of the conference. Later on, shields were distributed among guest speakers, foreign delegates and organizers of the conference.
