https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, July 21 (Alliance News): The 21st National Children’s Mountain Conservation Meet, organized by Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP), concluded on Sunday in Islamabad after a 10-day environmental education camp held in the scenic Siran Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The event brought together 100 young participants and staff members from across the country.
As part of the programme, a Children’s Mountain Forum was held at Margalla Hotel Islamabad under the theme “Climate Change and its Impact on the Mountain Environment.” Young participants shared their observations and experiences through presentations, calling for urgent action to address climate change and environmental degradation in mountain regions.
The forum was graced by Her Excellency Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Pakistan, who appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed her support for youth-led climate advocacy.
“In today’s world of digital technologies and overconsumption, it has become more important than ever to keep young people connected with Mother Earth,” she remarked.
Ali Hasan Habib, President of AFP, welcomed the participants and praised the children’s dedication to nature conservation.
Aftab Rana, National Coordinator of the NCMC Meet, explained that this flagship programme—launched in 2002 during the International Year of Mountains—aims to involve youth in environmental education using mountain ecosystems as an open classroom.
Rana highlighted that children attending the camp are titled “Eco-Guards,” empowering them to raise awareness in their communities and schools.
The participants concluded the forum by presenting a joint petition outlining their concerns and recommendations for improving environmental policies in mountainous areas.
Since its inception, the NCMC Meet has trained more than 2,500 young eco-guards and 500 staff members across 21 annual camps, helping build a generation of environmentally conscious youth ready to lead community-level conservation efforts.
