The two-day conference has been jointly organized by the Centre for Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar and the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Bara Gali Summer Campus, University of Peshawar.

Pakistan’s top scientists, conservationists, academics, and policymakers gathered at the “10th National Conference on Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity, Water and Natural Resources” to sound the alarm on the catastrophic effects of climate change on biodiversity and natural resources.  

In his opening remark, the Director of the Centre and principal organizer of the conference Dr. Asad Ullah said that the two-day conference presents 10 technical sessions and fifty-four scientists, academicians, conservationists, humanitarian and policymakers will deliberate on the critical issue of climate change and its impact on biodiversity and natural resources of Pakistan.  The conference brings together leading experts in the field to discuss the devastating effects of climate change on ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.  "Climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, pushing our planet's ecosystems to the brink of collapse," he added. "We are facing a biodiversity crisis of epic proportions, with species extinction rates at an all-time high." He further emphasized that “the Rising temperatures, altering precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are wreaking havoc on the country's ecosystems leading to melting of glaciers, affecting water supplies and agriculture; negatively affecting biodiversity, with endangered species facing extinction; degradation of forests, and grasslands, and wetlands and Disruption of livelihoods, especially for vulnerable communities.” 

In her address, Prof. Dr. Shumaila Rauf Dean, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar said that “Pakistan is among the top ten countries most affected by Climate Change. Urgent action is needed to mitigate its impact and adapt to the changing climate.” Nature is in peril, and the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic," warned Dr. Shumaila Rauf. "We must act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and protect natural habitats” she added. "This conference aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action and to facilitate collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to address the biodiversity crisis", she added. 

Mr. Muhammad Yaseen Wazir, Director General, Soil and Water Conservation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and chief guest of the occasion during his address said that "Allah has blessed us with very precious natural resources but amongst these resources soil and water sustain humanity and are critical  for the natural habitats." "Climate Change negatively affects the water and soil in Pakistan. We as humans can execute policies and measures for building resilience against the impact of climate change" he added.  Talking about the KP Government resilience building initiative he emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has launched  projects worth 25 Billion for the  conservation of water and soil amid the climate crises. 

MicroWatershed, SprinhShed and structural mitigation projects are the other initiatives in the Hindukush Himalayan region.

During the opening ceremony, it was noted that Pakistan is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, but the country's biodiversity is facing numerous threats. Pakistan’s biodiversity provides essential services like pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling, supporting agricultural productivity and forest health. Its precious flora is a rich source of medicinal plants, providing valuable resources for traditional and modern medicine. Biodiversity in crops and livestock ensures food security and adaptability to climate change. It promotes ecotourism generating revenue and promoting conservation efforts. Unfortunately, the ongoing deforestation, urbanization, and infrastructure development lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening species survival. Overhunting, overfishing, and overharvesting of resources deplete and threaten species extinction. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns alter species distributions, behaviour, and extinction risk. The conference calls for immediate global action to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, increase the allocation of funding for climate change research and conservation efforts and enhance international cooperation to protect biodiversity and natural resources.