Italy-Pakistan environmental cooperation highlighted at conclusion of 21st NCMCM

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The 21st National Children Mountain Conservation Meet (NCMCM), organized by Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP), concluded in Islamabad following a ten-day environmental education camp in the scenic Siran Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The event brought together over 100 children and facilitators from across Pakistan, aiming to raise environmental awareness among youth and engage them in experiential learning about mountain ecosystems.

The closing ceremony, held at Margalla Hotel Islamabad, featured a “Children Mountain Forum” where young participants presented their insights on “Climate Change and its Impact on Mountain Environments.” Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin, who was the chief guest, praised the efforts of AFP and the youth for their active engagement in environmental issues.

Ambassador Armellin noted that environmental cooperation between Italy and Pakistan dates back to 1909, when the first Italian mission visited the region to chart a route to K2. She highlighted that the most commonly used route to K2 today, the Abruzzi Spur, was discovered during that mission. She also recalled that the first successful ascent of K2 in 1954 was made by Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni.

Speaking at the event, AFP President Ali Hasan Habib welcomed the participants and congratulated them on the successful completion of the camp. Aftab Rana, National Coordinator of NCMCM and Managing Director of PTDC, explained that the program began in 2002 during the International Year of Mountains. Its goal is to cultivate environmental stewardship among youth by using the natural outdoors as a “living classroom.”

Each year, approximately 100 students are selected from various parts of Pakistan to participate in a 10-day residential camp held in a mountainous region. Participants engage in hands-on learning about environmental challenges and later return to their schools and communities to implement small-scale conservation projects, earning them the title of “Eco Guards.”

During the forum, young speakers shared their observations and challenges facing mountain environments, particularly due to climate change, and presented recommendations for action to relevant government institutions. The event concluded with the presentation of a youth petition on climate resilience and environmental protection.

Commending the youth-led petition, Ambassador Armellin emphasized the importance of connecting younger generations with nature, especially in a world increasingly dominated by digital technologies. She expressed hope that the government would take appropriate action on the recommendations presented.

Since its inception, Adventure Foundation Pakistan has hosted 21 National Children Mountain Conservation Meets, engaging over 2,500 children and more than 500 facilitators. Established in 1980, AFP is Pakistan’s only non-commercial organization dedicated to promoting outdoor adventure and environmental education for people of all ages and backgrounds.