Bank Alfalah to give Rs 8.5 million for blind dolphins' conservation
Bank Alfalah has committed Rs. 8.5
million to protect the endangered Indus River blind dolphins, underscoring its
dedication to preserving Pakistan's unique wildlife.
Building on its earlier commitment
to plant 100,000 trees to address climate change, the bank has partnered with
WWF-Pakistan for this new initiative. The funds will be used to safeguard the
blind dolphins of the Indus River, a species facin
g severe threats.
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The partnership will focus on
community engagement, with plans to establish five community-based
organizations (CBOs), train 35 local fishers, form 10 nature clubs, and empower
700 students to become advocates for conservation. These efforts aim to protect
the dolphins' habitat and ensure a brighter future for this rare species.
The Indus River dolphin, known
locally as the "Bhulan," is listed as Endangered on the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The species has suffered a
drastic decline, with its population now reduced to just 20% of its historical
range. Habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and pollution are major
threats to its survival.
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Madiha Javed Qureshi, Head of
Corporate Communications at Bank Alfalah, expressed pride in the bank's
collaboration with WWF, emphasizing the significance of this initiative in
protecting a species unique to Pakistan. "Through this partnership, we aim
to engage local communities in safeguarding dolphin habitats, raise awareness,
and help grow their population, preserving a natural treasure of special
importance to Pakistan," she said.
This initiative is in line with Bank
Alfalah’s commitment to environmental sustainability and supports the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
and 14 (Life Below Water).
Source: Business Recorder