Pakistan Calls for Joint Efforts for Conservation of Markhors

News Desk 

New York: Pakistan has called on the global community to join forces in conserving the Markhor, an important species in its ecosystem. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the Markhor’s role as Pakistan’s national animal during a side event dedicated to conservation strategies.

He pointed out that while the global Markhor population is in decline, Pakistan’s numbers have actually increased thanks to effective conservation programs and community involvement. Ambassador Akram lauded Pakistan’s ‘trophy hunting policy,’ which initially set a quota of 6 and later 12 Markhors per season.

Under this policy, local communities oversee Markhor populations and trophy hunts, keeping 80 percent of the trophy permit fees. This approach has greatly improved local livelihoods and bolstered conservation efforts.

Pakistan is eager to share its conservation expertise with other nations and is also interested in learning from their experiences. The UN General Assembly resolution designating May 24 as International Day of the Markhor aims to encourage global cooperation for the long-term protection of this iconic species.