Islamabad: WWF-Pakistan marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating 25 years of conservation efforts dedicated to the Indus River Dolphin, a unique freshwater species found only in Pakistan. While the dolphin population has nearly doubled to an estimated 2,000 individuals, the organization highlighted ongoing threats and the necessity for continued conservation efforts to ensure the species’ survival.

Minister of Climate Change Senator Musadik Malik underscored the importance of sustained, coordinated efforts in his remarks at the event. He praised the Indus River Dolphin as a symbol of Pakistan’s natural heritage and a testament to successful conservation collaboration. Malik also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to river dolphin conservation, noting the country’s role as a signatory to the Global Declaration of River Dolphins (2023).

Over the last quarter-century, WWF-Pakistan’s initiatives have evolved from initial population assessments to community outreach programs aimed at eliminating harmful practices. The organization has also developed rescue units for dolphins trapped in irrigation canals and employed satellite tracking to better understand dolphin movements and habitat use.

These efforts have been supported by the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial wildlife departments, and international donors such as UK International Development. Private-sector partners, including Engro Foundation and Bank Alfalah, have also contributed to transforming the Indus River Dolphin into a conservation success story.

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, emphasized the critical role of partnerships and community involvement in safeguarding the dolphin’s habitat and improving rescue operations. In recognition of this journey, WWF-Pakistan organized a consultative workshop to develop a new conservation action plan, setting priorities for the next five years to reinforce the country’s commitment to the dolphins’ long-term conservation.