Margalla Hills Trail-V clean-up kicks off mountain festival

Islamabad:The 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival, organised annually by Devcom-Pakistan to celebrate International Mountain Day, commenced with a successful cleanup drive at Margalla Hills Trail-V on Sunday.

Over 100 enthusiastic students from various universities joined hands to raise awareness about the preservation of mountain ecosystems and the significance of natural resource conservation. International Mountain Day, observed globally on December 11, was established by the United Nations to highlight the critical importance of mountain ecosystems in supporting life on Earth.

Mountains cover 22 per cent of the planet’s land surface and provide vital resources, including freshwater for half of humanity. The day also serves to draw attention to the challenges facing mountain regions, including climate change, habitat loss, and the struggles of mountain community. Addressing the participants, Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director and Founder of Pakistan Mountain Festival Munir Ahmed emphasized the critical role of mountain ecosystems in sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential services like clean water and air purification. “Mountains are life-support systems for millions of people globally. Protecting these ecosystems is not just a local responsibility but a global imperative,” he said.

Munir Ahmed also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Mountain Festival in raising awareness about these issues over the past 14 years. “Citizens can proactively play their role as the custodians of mountains. Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) with the support of citizens has played its significant role in keeping the Margalla Hills National Park. It should continue doing so.