Don’t kill leopards in retaliation, your livestock is insured now

0
48

Islamabad: In a groundbreaking move to protect Pakistan’s endangered common and snow leopards, authorities have introduced a livestock insurance scheme to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

The initiative, launched through a partnership between WWF-Pakistan and Jubilee General Insurance Company Limited, aims to financially protect herders and farmers in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) where leopard attacks on livestock often lead to retaliatory killings of the big cats.

The pilot programme, announced on Tuesday in Islamabad, will provide livestock owners insurance coverage against losses caused by wildlife attacks.

This innovative scheme seeks to prevent retaliatory harm to leopards, addressing one of the most significant threats to their survival.

“The signing of this MoU marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict,” said Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan. “By insuring livestock, we are not only safeguarding local livelihoods but also actively protecting endangered species. This initiative bridges the gap between biodiversity conservation and community well-being.”

The insurance scheme, covering areas most affected by leopard attacks, will act as a safety net for farmers and herders. It ensures compensation for livestock losses, allowing communities to coexist peacefully with wildlife.
The collaboration is a step forward in preserving Pakistan’s biodiversity, ensuring that conservation efforts are not undermined by economic grievances.

Azfar Arshad, COO of Jubilee General Insurance, emphasized the long-term vision of the partnership: “This initiative supports the livelihoods of local communities while reinforcing conservation goals. We believe this scheme will create a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife, ensuring the survival of Pakistan’s majestic leopards.”

The northern areas of Pakistan, rich in biodiversity, are often the stage for human-wildlife conflict due to overlapping habitats. Livestock insurance offers a practical solution to mitigate tensions, reduce financial losses for herders, and ultimately curb retaliatory actions against leopards.

The program is expected to set a precedent for sustainable conservation, benefiting both people and wildlife. As leopards and humans continue to share ecosystems, this initiative underscores the importance of coexistence, ensuring a future where economic stability and environmental protection go hand in hand. – M. Waqar Bhatti

Ends