21st National Children’s Mountain Conservation Meet Highlights Youth Engagement in Mountain Preservation
The 21st National Children’s Mountain Conservation Meet (NCMC Meet), organized by Adventure Foundation Pakistan (AFP), concluded in Islamabad after bringing together 100 young participants for a ten-day environmental camp in the scenic Siran Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The event culminated in the Children Mountain Forum at Margala Hotel Islamabad, where the participants presented their insights on “Climate Change and its Impact on the Mountain Environment” and issued a joint petition urging stronger governmental action for mountain conservation.
At the closing forum, Her Excellency Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, served as chief guest and praised the initiative’s efforts to engage youth in environmental preservation. She highlighted over a century of collaboration between Italy and Pakistan for mountain and glacier conservation, noting that the first Italian expedition to the region was in 1909 to map a land route to K2. She also referenced the historic 1954 ascent of K2 by Italian mountaineers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni, and the discovery of the “Abruzzi Spur” route by Italian Prince Luigi Amedeo, further solidifying the longstanding ties between the nations in mountain exploration and research.
Ali Hasan Habib, President of Adventure Foundation Pakistan, welcomed participants at the event and commended the young “Eco-Guards” and staff for their commitment to mountain conservation. Aftab Rana, National Coordinator of the NCMC Meet Project, reflected on the initiative’s origins during the International Year of Mountains in 2002, and described the meet as an “open classroom” for children from across Pakistan to gain practical environmental education. The programme, he added, aims to raise awareness of mountain ecosystems and involves youth in hands-on activities, encouraging them to undertake micro-level environmental projects in their communities and schools.
Throughout the forum, young participants shared personal experiences and observations about the environmental challenges facing Pakistan’s mountain regions, particularly in relation to climate change. They also offered concrete recommendations to government departments aimed at addressing these issues, culminating in the presentation of a joint petition.
Ambassador Armellin expressed hope that government authorities would act on the points raised by the children and commended AFP’s ongoing work in promoting outdoor education. She emphasized the importance of connecting youth with nature in an age characterized by digital technologies and overconsumption.
Over its 21 editions, the National Children’s Mountain Conservation Meet has involved more than 2,500 young participants and 500 staff members from across Pakistan. Adventure Foundation Pakistan, established in 1980, remains the country’s sole non-commercial organization dedicated to promoting outdoor adventure, environmental awareness, and resilience-building through exposure to nature for people of all ages and backgrounds.
