Business And Biodiversity Platform Jointly Launched

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and leading private sector companies jointly launched first Business and Biodiversity Platform (BBP) at a ceremony held at the PQA

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Dec, 2017 ) :International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and leading private sector companies jointly launched first Business and Biodiversity Platform (BBP) at a ceremony held at the PQA.

According to a statement issued here on Wednesday, the Platform is a unique initiative focusing on nature and conservation through the collective support of the private sector. The ceremony was presided over by PQA Chairman Agha Jan Akhtar and attended by members of IUCN, leading businesses, the initiating members of the platform, environmental experts and representatives from Sindh Forest Department.

The PQA Chairman Agha Jan Akhtar, speaking on the occasion, said, that there are environmental issues associated with the industrial developments which are required to be addressed in order to avoid long-term impacts on the coastal ecosystems and the people.

Being a regulatory authority, he added, PQA is mandated to ensure that business operations are undertaken in environment friendly manner at the port area through mitigation of negative impacts.

The establishment of Business & Biodiversity platform is indeed a positive step and a good opportunity for the private sector to step ahead to improve their brand image both locally and internationally with the support of reputable conservation organizations.

Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan, touched upon the environmental challenges which Pakistan faces and shared IUCN's work over the last 30 years. Mr. Aman Ul Haque Head of Engro Foundation elaborated that this is a very important first step towards a greener Karachi.

Mr. Sharique A. Siddiqui, CEO of Pakistan International Bulk Terminal, underscored the need for such Platform, highlighting as extremely essential for addressing the chronic environmental issues along the Karachi coast.

The ceremony of the Platform concluded with the annual action plan to be implemented during the first year by IUCN. The action plan include the concrete steps to be undertaken such that seminars, capacity building trainings and workshops, biannual meetings, awareness sessions and to address the key environmental issues at Port Qasim area.