ISESCO to help REDD training programmes: Afridi

Islamabad, Islamic Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization (ISESCO) of OIC would extend financial support and technical cooperation for imparting training about Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) for capacity building of forest officers through-out the country.

This was disclosed in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi here Wednesday. The meeting was also attended by Director General Environment Javed Ali Khan, I.G. Forest Mehmood Nasir. Dr. Khursheed and Irfan Tariq. Federal Minister said that forests are the gift of nature and precious wealth which should be protected from all sort of damages and losses. He said that importance of the forestry sector can not be ignored and projects like REDD are being initiated for conservation and preservation of the forests in the country. While expressing his views about REDD, he said that through this project, not only forest area would be further enhanced but also economical benefits would be achieved. He further said that officials of related departments from the provinces may also be involved in training sessions so that maximum benefits from REDD may be obtained. IG (Forest) Mahmood Nasir informed about the strategy and framework adopted for the training program and said that foresters would be able to get knowledge and skills through such short term training courses. Earlier, Dr. Faiq Bilal, Director Islamic Scientific, Educational & Cultural Organization gave detailed briefing about the projects initiated by Islamic Scientific, Educational & Cultural Organization.