Celebrating Environmental Innovators: Inspiring Change This Environment Day | The Express Tribune

To celebrate World Environment Day, Devcom-Pakistan organized the Pakistan Environmental Awards and Conference of Best Practices 2025. The theme this year is “Beyond Plastic Waste – Navigating Climate and Environmental Risks.”

This annual event, held on June 5 since 1973, is part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and serves as a major platform for spreading environmental awareness. The Republic of Korea is hosting this year’s global celebration, focusing on the urgent need to eliminate plastic pollution, which threatens our climate goals and ecosystems.

The awards honored outstanding individuals making a real difference. Rina Saeed Khan was recognized for her leadership with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, where she has made significant strides in wildlife conservation. Sana Raja received praise for her dedication to rescuing wildlife, particularly endangered species like pangolins. Teacher Usman was acknowledged for his community rainwater harvesting initiative, which has helped create over 770 water ponds, promoting conservation.

Muhammad Irshad Ramay was recognized for establishing a cleaner production center, advocating for sustainability in industries. Riffat Ara Baig, through art and cleanup drives, has engaged over 5,000 students in environmental awareness since 1996. Silvia Shamoon was celebrated for her decade-long efforts to improve living conditions in slums, focusing on tree planting and waste management.

Special mentions included Dr. Mehar Nigar for her “Saaf Muhalla Saaf Pakistan” campaign and Kashaf Akhtar, who created a startup that turns single-use plastics into eco-friendly planters and tiles.

The Federal Minister for the Board of Investment highlighted the importance of recognizing these efforts, stating, “Beating plastic pollution is not just an environmental necessity – it is a national imperative.” His words underscore the growing urgency to address pollution and climate challenges, which resonate globally. Recent studies indicate that plastic production is projected to triple by 2040, making such initiatives more crucial than ever.

As social media buzzes with discussions on sustainability, the actions of these award recipients inspire others. Their efforts show that change starts at the community level, where individuals can unite for a healthier planet.

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