Keeping in view the importance of the World Envrionment Day, IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature is undertaking various awareness raising activities in different cities throughout the country.

Murree:
To mark the World Environment Day, IUCN’s Murree Biodiversity Park Project in collaboration with more than 12 other stakeholders will undertake various activites to preserve and rehabilitate the unique environment and ecology of Murree, the Queen of Hills. A Walk will be organized on the Mall Road to create awareness regarding the importance of forests and clean environment for the humans. Students, traders, hotel owners, government employees and a number of other stake holders will participate in the walk.
A 100 feet long banner with a slogan will be laso displayed at the Mall Road which every passing visitor will be invited to sign and make a pledge to Keep Murree Clean.

Ziarat:
In District Ziarat, Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into Production Systems in the Juniper Forest project is organizing a debate competition for the School and College students at Al-Hijrah College. To sensitize the masses on the importance of the day and the protection of the second largest concentration of Juniper Forest in the world that is housed in Ziarat. Banners with environmental messages would also be displayed at important locations around the city.

Quetta:
IUCN Quetta Balochistan Partnerships for Sustainable Development programme is organising colorful celebrations to mark the day on Tuesday, 07 May 2011. An Arts and crafts model exhibition and a debate competition will be held for the students of 13 schools from Quetta city.. Presentations will be made by experts on the Impact of Climate Change on Forest Resources and the value of Forests. IUCN’s documentary on ecosystem rehabilitaiton will also be screened on this occasion. Minister for Environment, Government of Balochistan has consented to be the Chief Guest.

Keti Bunder:
IUCN Pakistan in collaboration with Sindh Coastal Communities Development Programme, is organising a Mangroves Plantation Competition at Keti Bunder. Students from two local schools are participating in the competition. The event is focusing the School Children in the Coastal Communities to make them aware of the importance of the mangrove forests spread along our coastal areas. The participating teams will be awarded with prizes and commemorative shields.

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:

Madiha Aijaz

Country Office. IUCN-Pakistan
1, Bath Island Road, Clifton, Karachi.
Phone: 021-35861540-2, Fax: 021-35861448
email address: madiha.aijaz@iucn.org