Book on K-2 launched

Islamabad

The speakers termed ‘CKNP Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage in the Land of K2’ a valuable inventory of biological diversity, endangered species, cultural heritage and water resources. They said the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) in the Gilgit-Balitstan is a mountain area endowed with rich biodiversity, natural beauty and important natural resources. The park compasses the world’s largest glaciers, outside the polar regions. 

The book was launched here in connection with the on-going weeklong 5th Pakistan Mountain Festival, being organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) to commemorate the International Mountain Day. 

Luca Listo, director of the project SEED-EvK2CNR, said that the research work and inventory of natural, cultural and social heritage was supported under the framework of Pakistan-Italy Debt Swap Agreement (PIDSA). 

He said, “The two Italian researchers and authors Ermes Invernizzi and Michele Lucatelli have done great efforts to research, compile and consolidate the most recent information and knowledge about the species, natural and water resources. The book is enriched with the maps trekkers, visuals and photographs of heritage and monuments in the land of Karakoram.”

Luca Listo is hopeful that the book would boost the importance of the Central Karakoram National Park that was notified in 1993. It is the largest protected area of Pakistan, covering over 10,557.73 km2. 

Dr Nasim Javed Khan, the forestry expert, said the book contain very important information about the flora and fauna species specific to the Karakoram region.