The Climate

The online magazine of the Press for Peace (PFP) that supports wildlife conservation and environmental awareness

Crown of Neelum Valley (www.flickr.com)

 PRESS FOR PEACE (PFP)

Environment Section

www.pressforpeace.org.uk
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Jammu and Kashmir
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Each 'Eid` is a Day of peace. Wishing you ALL a very Happy Eid from Press for Peace
Kashmiri girl in traditional Kashmiri dress (Photo by Asif Raza Mir)
EDITOR S`DESK

Dear Friends, Welcome to The Climate

Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you
will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy. The Climate
magazine is a print-based magazine and it is our labour of love with nature. It is packed with full
of information, some fascinating stories in the last month for you to read. Our aim is to inspire
readers with the sheer wonder and beauty of nature and help them understand and appreciate the
truly amazing world around them. With the latest developments , views and news on wildlife,
conservation and environmental issues, and trusted further -information sources, the magazine is a
'must read' for anyone with a passion for the subject . Look deep into nature, and then you will
understand everything better.

I'd really like to hear stories from practitioners in the field doing work that they think should be
shared so please keep sending your news, opinions and photographs to us.
(Ejaz Ur-Rehman-Editor)
THIS ISSUE
ENDANGERED PHYTON SPOTTED IN
AJK
This month’s fact file takes a close
look at elusive Endangered Phton-
By Tariq Naqash (Page 2)

PRESS FOR PEACE DEEPLY

CONCERNS OVER WATER ISSUES
OF PAKISTAN
Director Environment Press For
Peace Well Comes Water Week.
Global leaders and policy makers are
gathering in Sweden this week to
discuss water-related challenges as
Worl Water Week convenes in
Stockholm.(Page 6)
Economy of Environment
Clean and neat environment is not
only guarantee to a healthful life but
it provides the natural surrounding
to the survival of wildlife on which
the high performance of ecosystem
rests. By T.H.Shah (Page 8)

Hydropower project Threatens Eco-

Jewel of Pakistani Kashmir
Pakistan has initiated a massive
hydropower project in its
administrative part of Kashmir
without fulfilling basic environmental
obligations required for such
development projects. By Zafar
Iqbal (Page 12)

Press For Peace Signs the Petition

Press for Peace signs the petition
at (Seal the Deal
http://www.sealthedeal2009.org)
on Global Climate Week 21-25
September 2009. (Page 17)
Garbage Collection: Who blames Whom ?
It is a common practice to witness heaps of garbage
scattered every where in Kashmir valley. The garbage can
be seen lying mostly along the roadside. City-centre is no
exception to it .By Afsana Rashid (Page 19)

Biodiesel is a realistic clean burning fuel alternative

Biodiesel is environmentally friendly: it is renewable, and
"more biodegradable than sugar and less toxic than table
salt" .By Nazia Nazar (Page 22)

Plight of Endangered Snow Leopard

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is an endangered
species of cat that lives in the mountains of Central
Asia .By Ejaz Ur-Rehman (Page 26)
 Endangered Python Spotted in AJK

By Tariq Naqash

MUZAFFARABAD: Wildlife officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are trying to find out the whereabouts of a ‘near threatened’ species of a python morulus sighted
recently near here during the excavation of a tunnel of a power project.

“We have come to know from reliable external sources that a python morulus was recently spotted during the excavation of the tunnel of Neelum -Jhelum hydroelectric
project but there is no news as to what happened to the near threatened species afterwards,” AJK wildlife and fisheries depar tment director Sardar Javaid Ayub told
Dawn here on Thursday.

2

(Python morulus)
The 969-megawatt Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Electric Project, which
envisages diversion of River Neelum waters from Nauseri village through a 47-
kilometre long tunnel, is being constructed by a consortium of two Chinese
companies - CGGC-CMEC - at a cost of Rs 90.9 billion.
The latest Red Data Book of the IUCN regards the python morulus as
vulnerable species. The non -venomous snake, which is also reared as a pet in
some south and far eastern countries, occurs in tropical and lower subtropical
zones, inhabiting dense or open forests, rocky areas and river belts. In
3
Pakistan it was scattered in most parts through River Indus but currently faces
the threat of extinction. Pythons are killed for their skins. Due to the large
size (up to 6 metre in length), attractive markings and strength, the skin of
Python Morulus is the most valuable of all of snake skins.
Mr Ayub said it was for the first time in at least three decades that the mighty
snake was spotted in the north of AJK in Muzaffarabad. “I have detailed a
team to ascertain all information regarding sighting, capturing and present
possession of the python,” Mr Ayub said, pointing out that hunting of the
species was completely prohibited and punishable under the prevailing wildlife
laws. A brief footage made from a mobile phone and available with this
correspondent shows that the python is more than 20 -feet long and has
greyish markings. A local worker at the project site in Nauseri told a team of
local journalists the other day that the huge snake came across the earth
removing machine during the process of excavation, “taking all of us by
surprise.” “The Chinese people (supervising the work) tranquilised the snake
and later removed it from the site in a Shehzor mini -truck,” said the local
worker who declined to give his name to avoid any problems. The only Chinese
who could converse in English slipped from the site to avoid the queries of the
team, one of its members told Dawn on Thursday.
 (View of Neelum River ,Azad Kashmir)

4
 Mr Ayub made it clear that his department would take strict punitive action in
this matter.
“Whoever is found guilty will be taken to task…We will go by the law to set an
example for others,” he said.
When Dawn contacted Mr Ali Raza Shah, project director of Neelum -Jhelum
hydroelectric project, he said he did not have any such information.“I will
check and let you know within two -three days,” he said . (Witter is Daily Dawn
Correspondence AJK, article source www.dawn.com/.../endangered-python-
spotted-in-ajk-)

“The most important environmental issue is one that is rarely mentioned, and that is the lack of a conservation ethic in our
culture”. Gaylord Nelson

5
 PFP asks India and Pakistan to resolve water issues

6
 Srinager, Jammu and Kashmir:
Press For Peace (PFP) has urged Pakistan and India to resolve their water issues to bring socio economic change in the region .
On the occasion of World Water Week observed on 16 – 22 August , world
leaders in Stockholm, Sweden vowed to protect water resources of the earth.
Director Press For Peace (PFP) Ejaz Ur Rehman, who is also editor of PFP
Magazine “The Climate”, said in a st atement that because of increasing
environmental changes in South Asia the populations of Pakistan and India
would suffered from alarming water and food shortages in the coming years.
Referring the recent report of the United Nations Rehman said that melt ing of
glaciers in Sub continent would raise the issues of people migration and
shortage of water, intensifying tensions between India, Pakistan and
Bangladesh.
“The number of people without access to clean water is expected to rise as
water becomes scarce r due to the effects of pollution, urbanization, and
climate change in Himalayan region”.
He opined that India and Pakistan should review Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in
order to accommodate the requirements of deprived farmers and both
neighboring countries and people of State of Jammu and Kashmir, which is the
major source of the rivers falling towards Pakistan and India.
7
According to ‘the IWT’ India has exclusive rights to the three major southern
rivers - Ravi, Beas and Sutluj, while Pakistan has the rig hts to three northern
rivers that first flow through India -controlled Kashmir - the Indus, Jhelum and
Chenab.
He said that most of the rivers are originated from Jammu and Kashmir;
however, without the representation of governments and people of Kashmir in
the IWT, the region of Jammu and Kashmir has been denied from its fair right
of water use charges.
He deplored that in spite of the profusion of water sources in conflicted
state of Jammu and Kashmir, hundreds of its villages are yet to be electrified
in both parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit Baltistan.
The PFP asked India and Pakistan to hand over the ownership of Salal Dam and
Mangla Dam to respective local governments of Indian and Pakistani Kashmir.
Pakistan blames India for stealing wate r of Chenab River while India believes
that Pakistan is violating IWT by diverting Neelum River to Jehlum River in
Pakistan administrative Kashmir.
 Economy of Environment

By T.H Shah

T.h.shah@pressforpeace.rog.uk

Clean and neat environment is not only guarantee to a healthful life but it
provides the natural surrounding to the survival of wildlife on which the high
performance of ecosystem rests. With passage of time and development of
new shifts in understanding of environment, it is now comprehended from
generating revenue for contributing to the economy of the states. In developed
countries of the world, preservation of national parks and the phenomenon of
giving natural touch to the parks and places of public leisure accrue lot
monetary benefits to the government which in result is spent on the welfare
and development of the people.

8
 In European countries, it is hallmark of the policy that w hile planning city and consequently assume the income generating places for good. The reason is to
town, the environmental facet is always taken into consideration. In most of lend the economic touch to the environment which unfortunately is perceived in
the towns and cities, the retention of parks makes their room which a very narrow sense in most of the underdeveloped countries.

9
 Fig Source (envis.mse.ac.in)
In most of the Far Eastern countries like Thai Land and Singapore, the
governments receive sufficient revenue from development of environmental
economy. They have built parks even on the beaches thus not only enhancing
the beauty of natural picturesque but have turned into magnetic places for
promotion of tourist industry in the country. In Mauritius, the large fraction of
economic growth counts upon tourist industry where the main impetus behind
is improvement upon already existed natural beauty.
In Pakistan, the tragedy is the unconsciousness of the masses an d policy -
making institutions towards understanding the economy of the environment.
Irony is that the concept of cleaning is restricted to the household only. It is
common observation that people throw the rubbish into the streets without
minding the negative repercussion it carry from hygienic viewpoint. In similar,
10
according to government statistics of 2008, in Pakistan an estimated 54
percent of the population has access to sanitary toilet (86 percent urban and
30 percent rural), means people in rural are as don’t have toilets. The reason
is not financial constraints, but according to a social survey, it’s a poverty of
mind on environment.
This whole streak of unawareness spanning over policy -making levels has
caused tremendous loss to the development of en vironmental economy in
Pakistan. The situation is further made worst at the hands of land -grabbing
mafia who keep watching such areas which may have turned into the
commercial quarry. Such land -grabbers, in collusion with some official power
circles, succeed in snatching lands and construct huge plazas, shopping centres
or residential place for mere furthering their financial interests. If such types
 of trends and evils are reined in, then the commercial places can become public leisure place. The construction of small take - aways like fish points or
source of natural beauty and centre of revenue to the government. One such tea and fast food corners at these places will certainly prove useful in
nerve-numbing thing has been the construction of military general head quarter judicious use of environmental economy.
in the feet of Margalla hills at Islamabad which not only going to waste the
Here becomes of pivotal importance the role of civil society organisations to
large terrain of lands but is certainly a potential risk to the flora and fauna of
come forward and launch campaigns for massive awareness on environment
the world beautiful capital.
particularly from the scenario of the economy of e nvironment ( writer is
There is another area requiring attention from the perspective of Director Research of Press for Peace)
environmental economy is already available places which if utilised can produce
massive benefits. One such example is the vast terrains of land along side the
banks of the Ghazi Barotha Canal (50 miles long). If government concentrates,
this barren piece of land can be turned into small parks for public leisure.
Fortunately it accounts for sufficient land in small intervals of distances whic h
can be used for environmental economy. Same is the case with the banks of
Rive Sindh which if properly planned with the coordinated efforts of both
government and non -governmental organisations working on environment can
be transformed into a magnetic pl ace for not only locals but for outside
tourists as well; because it will prove commercial centre also equally being a

“Take care of the earth and she will take care of you”

11
 Hydropower Project Threatens Eco-Jewel of Pakistani Kashmir

By Zafar Iqbal

zafar@pressforpeace.org.uk

12
 MUZAFFARABAD, Jammu and Kashmir , June 12, 2009 (ENS) - Pakistan has However, both parties to
initiated a massive hydropower project in its administrative part of Kashmir the treaty began arguing
without fulfilling basic environmental obligations required for such development again after co nstruction
projects. of the Bagliar Dam in
Indian Administrative
Contemporary international environmental laws and standards bind all Kashmir in 1999.
governments and their publics to conduct environmental impact assessments Pakistan now claims that
and ecological surveys for all major projects to achieve the goal of sustainable it should get "priority
development. rights" to the use the
water of the Neelum
Regardless, Pakistan's Water And Power Development Authority has sta rted
River for this hydro
the construction of the US$2.16 billion Neelum -Jhelum Hydro Project in the
project.
remote and scenic Neelum Valley, 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of
Islamabad, without an environmental impact assessment. Chinese, Norwegian and
Pakistani firms are all
The 969 megawatt project will divert the Neelum River, also called the
involved in the project,
Kishangana, which originates in the Indian part of Kashmir. The Neelum will
The Neelum River at Nikron (Photo by Heartkins) estimated to take eight
flow through a 47 kilometer -long underground tunnel system to another river,
years to build. The China
the Jehlum, near Muzaffarabad, the capital of the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd. would construct the project while the Norwegian firm
The water rights for this hydropower project are causing a conflict between NORPLAN, with the collaboration of local firms, would be responsible for the
the two countries. India and Pakistan had agreed on the 1960 Indus Water underground work with involvement in the mechanical, civil and electrical parts
Treaty, which gives rights of three rivers, the Indus, Chenab and the Jhelum, of the development.
to India; and three rivers, t he Ravi, the Sutlej and the Beas and their
Once completed, the Neelum -Jhelum Hydro Project would be the first
tributaries, to Pakistan.
underground hydropower project of its kind in Pakistan.

Officials o f the local Environmental Protection Agency working on the project

area have confirmed that the Water And Power Development Authority,
WAPDA, has started construction work, disregarding environmental

13
 considerations and the protection of natural resources a nd wildlife in this Yet there is a great
important ecological zone. demand for the power
the project would
The builders insist that the project does not pose any threats to the area's produce. Today, 40
ecological system, as an initial study conducted in the 1990s had suggested percent of Pakistan's
"limited environmental impacts of the project." population lives without
electricity, and the
On the other hand, local ecologists contradict these claims of the WAPDA
country is facing a
authorities.
severe energy crisis. In
"Much has been changed during this period in terms of people's conditions, some areas the power is
needs and ecology and necessitates fresh evaluation of the concealed out for 16 hours a day,
damages," says an EPA source, w ho asked to remain unidentified to avoid paralyzing the national
possible conflict within his agency. economy and resi dents'
daily routines. The city of Muzzaffarabad has 750,000 residents.
He predicts alarming hazards to the local ecosystem due to the hurried start of (Photo by Travlr)
the hydro development venture because the government has ignored The government has
environmental assessments that a re supposed to be conducted for the already scrapped its long disputed Kala Bagh Dam project after
protection of environment and rights of local populations. uncompromising objections from affected provinces.

Crippled by a surge in extremism, suicide attacks and the recent military

operation against the Ta liban, Pakistan is struggling to overcome its energy
deficiencies in order to run its day-to-day affairs.

The hastily initiated Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Project is part of the government's

attempt to alleviate the huge shortfall in meeting energy demand. Susta inable
development and public concerns are being ignored in the government's rush to
find new sources of power.

The WAPDA is being criticized for bulldozing the rights of the indigenous
population, various tribes of Kashmirs. They fear that the government will
deprive them of their arable land and fruit orchards, which already have been

14
 affected by the earthquake of 2005 and the Indo -Pakistani rivalry along the endangered wild animals in the project area have significant conservation
line of control - the defacto border of divided Kashmir. importance for the Himalayan ecosystem.

Also, the package offered by the gover nment to compensate farmers for their The scenic Neelum Valley is inhabited by rare species on the verge of
lands does not equal to the market price of the property. The compensation extinction. The world famous Kashmiri otter is now rarely seen in the valley,
offered has been called disgracefully low and has created profound resentment and ibex, blue sheep, urian, big horned sheep, snow leopards, and flying
among the landholders. squirrel are increasingly rare.

"The government must pay the compensation of affected land according to The valley is one of the few sites where a breeding population of the western
market price and arrange alternative residentional towns," demands Tariq Ali, tragopan pheasant, Tragopan melanocephalus , still exists. With its brilliant red
a representative of the Action Committee of affected farmers. neck and black and white speckled plumage, the tragopan pheasant is one o f
the most magnificent in the world.
Local environmental
groups point to Other birds such as quills, partridges, vultures, kites, and eagles abound. A
deliberate violation of rich variety of ducks, geese, cranes, terns and waterfowl still nest in the
laws by government valley's wetlands, lakes and streams, and the loss of forest and fresh water
officials and have there is great threat to their habitat.
expressed their
concerns about The Global Environment Facility has contributed millions of U.S. dollars to
environmental risks to protect local natural resources through the Machiara National Park Project
the local economy and located in the Neelum Valley, one of the three glob ally significant national
biodiversity of the parks selected for a GEF-funded project.
Neelum Valley. The
hydro development
would red uce public
access to many places,
limiting recreational
opportunities.
Community in the Neelum Valley (Photo credit unknown)
Ecologists say the
abundant forests, aquatic life and the presence of many species of globally

15
 Residents fear the local Electricity, too, is a basic human need, but local residents say it mus t not be
economy will suffer because generated at the cost of disruption to biodiversity, habitat loss, fragmentation
of the hydro development. and the displacement of indigenous populations.
In Kashmir, 88 percent of
the population lives in rural Critics of the project say too many hydropower plans are made without looking
areas and depends upon at the big picture, and as a result the se projects can have negative impacts on
forestry, livestock and the environment.
agriculture for their
Some of the damage done to biodiversity by hydropower facilities can be
existence. Water from
reduced by equipment upgrades, mitigation measures, and proper management.
these rivers and nearby
Local user groups and other stakeholders want to b e involved in the decision -
natural springs is a major
making process to protect peoples' livelihoods and the sustainability of aquatic
source for drinking water
resources.
and irrigation water for
farm lands located along the Western tragopan pheasant male (Photo by Gobind They say the river systems should be thoroughly studied together with
banks. Sagar Bhardwaj) agencies that have jurisdiction over electricity, irrigation, fish eries and the
environment as well as local authorities during the planning and implementation
Communities along the Neelum River also are concerned that diversion of the
stages of this project. (Writer is Executive Director of press for Peace, article
river would cause acute water scarcity, making life miserable for inhab itants.
source Environment News Service (ENS) 2009)
The 750,000 people in the city of Muzaffarabad would be affected because
the Neelum River is their chief source of drinking water after it goes through
a purification process.

16
 Press for Peace signs the petition (Seal the Deal http:// www.sealthedeal2009.0rg) for a fair
climate agreement at the Copenhagen 2009 on Global Climate Week 21-25 September 2009.

Press for Peace UK ( September 2009): Press For Peace is an independent,
non-partisan and non -governmental research and advocacy organization. It was
established in 1999 in Jammu and Kashmir as a platform to provide advocacy,
research, education and networking in peace, human rights and environment
related issues. Together with other civil society organizations around the
globe, Press for Peace (PFP) concentrates on fundamental issues of today and
identifies ways and means to address these issues.
result of human activity, and that this is likely to have far reaching
environmental, soc ial and economic consequences. If the rate of burning of
fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) continues to grow as currently planned, the
climate next century is likely to change at a rate greater than that experienced
on Earth at any time during the last 10,0 00 years. Industrialised countries are
the main source of these emissions, but the people most seriously affected will
be those in developing countries, for instance those in low lying areas

Climate change is a serious threat to the well -being of God's creation. There is Global Climate Week is planned to coincide with the United Nation s Secretary-
now widespread international consensus that the atmosphere is warming as a General's High Level Summit on Climate Change on 22 September 2009. This

17
 important week and the lead -up weekend will be marked by synchronized
activities in more than 100 cities to urge world leaders to seal a fair and
effective climate agreeme nt at the UN Conference on Climate Change in
Copenhagen this December. Press for Peace signs the petition at (Seal the
Deal http://www.sealthedeal2009.org) on Global Climate Week 21
“Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find”
~Quoted in Time
18
September 2009 and strongly urged to the wealthy and industrialised
countries to stop green house gases emission. What we’re lacking is real
action. The governments need to put in place meaningful policies to urgently
reduce emissions and to act on them immediately.
-25
 GARBAGE COLLECTION: Who blames Whom ?
By Afsana Rashid (Srinagar)

realitybitesmail@gmail.com

It is a common practice to witness heaps of garbage scattered every where in
Kashmir valley. The garbage can be seen lying mostly along the roadside. City -
centre is no exception to it.
Garbage could be seen piled near Ghanta Ghar [clock tower] in Lal Chowk,
especially during strikes and un -declared curfew. Even domestic animals can
be seen roaming and enjoying moments at this place.
Same is the case with other busiest centres of city and one can easily gauge
the situation prevailing on this front in interior parts of the city.
Wherever heaps of garbage is present, the surroundings stink. Government
takes long time to clean it. In a way, collection of garbage even within Srinagar
limits seems to be a tough task for every government. Government in general
and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), in particular is yet to rise to the
issue on war -footing. They are silent over discussing and formulating waste -
management plan for the city.

19
 (Garbage heaps Photo Source Afsana Rashid)

20
 To begin with, a couple of areas have been demarcated as garbage dumping
grounds and Achan dumping ground has been in news over a long time, now.
Instead of solving the issue, government prefers to keep it in cold storage.
Shifting blames on each other [government and residents at Achan],
involvement of land -mafia, are some of the major r easons that finally come to
the fore.
Government needs to get serious over garbage. It affects human lives. Time is
not far away w hen garbage dumping and disposal of garbage would be main
issues deciding fate of people during elections. Day in and day out instances of
garbage-collection pour-in. Garbage sites are the breeding grounds for flies,
mosquitoes, dogs and rodents.Rag picker s derive their earning from these
heaps. People on street cover their nose and mouth to avoid the unhealthy and
foul smell.
It would be unfair to blame government and SMC only. Equally responsible are
people as well. They keep their house [in and around] c lean and leave the
entire garbage just outside their neighbour’s gate. Dustbins, though few in
number, at selected places are not being properly utilized by people. There is
no doubt in saying that majority of Kashmiris lack civic sense. They would love
to eat the banana but would never bother to drop its peel in the dustbin and
would place the same in middle of the road. They would speak against garbage
along the roadside, but would dump it at a place where the same has b een
prohibited. (The Writer is the editor of Monthly Magazine Reality Bites ,article
source,www.realitybitesmagazine.com)

Species are threatened in every habitat on every continent : In the time is takes you to read this page, one of our planet’s unique species will become
extinct. By this time tomorrow, a further 150–200 will have disappeared forever. And by this time next year, over 50,000 more.

This alarming rate of extinction is 100-1,000 times, and perhaps even 11,000 times, greater than the expected natural rate.

One in four of the world’s mammals are now threatened with extinction in the near future. So are one in eight birds, one in five sharks, one in four coniferous
trees, and one in three amphibians.

By and large, the cause of this decline is human activities. The land we use for living space, food, clothing, housing, fuel; the things we buy; and the waste we
produce – all this contributes to the main causes of species loss:

· Habitat loss
· Unsustainable trade
· By catch
· Climate change
· Invasive species
· Pollution
· Human-animal conflict (Source www.panda.org

21
 Biodiesel a realistic clean burning fuel alternative
By
Nazia Nazar

“Money, as we all know, does not grow on trees, but a possible energy solution clearly does ”

22
 Over the last decade and half, the increasing concerns over global warming
along with the measures to reduce dependence on foreign fuel as well as
reduction in emission levels has led to the development of sources other than
oil for transportation. It is c ommon fear in today’s world that fossil fuels will
be depleted soon. The cost of energy is increasing continuously and is
expected to be at its peak by 2050. A wide range of alternatives have been
developed - from hydrogen based vehicles to natural gas veh icle. However,
none of them have been as effective as biofuels - ethanol and biodiesel - both
from commercial as well as environmental perspective. Use of biodiesel for
(Fig. Algal Biodiesel, Source saferenvironment.wordpress.com)
23
transportation has a great potential to replace a substantial amount of
petroleum world wide in coming decades. Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel
manufactured from vegetable oil, animal fats, or recycle restaurant greases.
Chemically it is defined as the mono alkyl ester of long chain fatty acid derived
from renewable lipid sources. The most common method to produce biodiesel is
through a process called “transesterfication”, which involves altering the
chemical properties of the oil by using methanol. Transesterfication of plant oil
with methnol is a relatively simple process that yields high conversion with only
glycerin as a byproduct.
 Resources of Biodiesel
The resources mainly originated from plant particularly and in animal in
generally. Depending upon the availability and production of the raw -material
for biodiesel can be classified in to oil yielding crops (Rape Seeds, Ground Nut,
Sesame Seeds and Rocket seeds), industrial based crops (Linseed, Castor
beans, Cotton seeds), wi ld oil yielding plants (Pongame tree, Olive tree, Hemp
oil, Oat seeds, Jatropha Shrub, Milk Thistle, Carthamus seeds, Jatropha),
microorganisms, animals and other byproducts having biotic origin.
Key Advantages of Biodiesel
Ø Biodiesel is the only alterna tive fuel that runs in any conventional,
unmodified diesel engine. It can be stored in the same way as
petroleum diesel.
24
Ø Biodiesel is environmentally friendly: it is renewable, and "more
biodegradable than sugar and less toxic than table salt" (US National
Biodiesel Board, based on US Environmental Protection Agency
studies).
Ø Biodiesel can be used along or mixed in any ratio with petroleum
diesel. The most common blend is a mix of 20% biodiesel with 80%
petroleum diesel or “B20”.
Ø Bio-diesel combustion significantly reduces emissions:-
· Bio-diesel is 11% oxygen by weight and contains no
sulphur. There are virtually no Sulphur Dioxide emissions
from Bio -diesel combustion. Due to presence of sulphur
in crude oil, all fossil fuels emit SO 2. However Bio-diesel
combustion does not emit any SO 2 or sulphates (major
components of acid rain).
· Zero net Carbon dioxide emissions; the small amounts of
CO2 emitted by Bio-diesel combustion are re -absorbed by
the increased plantation required to sustain the Bio -
diesel raw material supply chain. Where as burning fossil
fuels releases more than 6 billion tons of CO 2 per year,
twice as much as the biosphere can absorb. The excess
CO2 is clogging the atmosphere, with the result that less
solar heat is reflected away, more heat r eaches the
earth's surface, and global temperatures rise.
· Significantly less Carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) and
particulates emissions. Combustion of Bio -diesel provides
more than 90% reduction in unburned hydrocarbons, and
75-90% reduction in aromatic hydrocarbons.
· There may be a slight increase or decrease in Nitrogen
oxide emissions depending upon engine type.
 Ø The use of Bio -diesel can extend the life of diesel engines because it
is more lubricating than petroleum diesel fuel, while fuel consumption,
auto ignition, power output, and engine torque are relatively
unaffected by Biodiesel.
Ø Biodiesel can be made from domestically produced renewable oilseed
crops such as soybean, canola, cotton seed and mustard seed.
Developing countries like Pakistan need continuous supply of cheap energy.
Pakistan using hydropower to meet the demands of energy, whereas project
regarding solar and wind energy is in progress. The major energy consumption
25
Ø The Congressional Budget Office, and Departme nt of Defense, US
Department of Agriculture, and others have determined that Bio-diesel
is the low cost alternative fuel option for fleets to meet requirements
of the Energy Policy Act.
sectors of Pakistan are domestic, commercial, industrial, agriculture, transport
and other government sectors. Renewable energy sources (solar, hydro, wind,
tidal, energy, and biomass) have a promising potential for energy generation.
 Biomass, a renewable energy source, is gaining inter est in many researchers
because it produces similar type of fuel extracted from crude oil. At present
time the only possible alternative fuel for ignition engines can be biodiesel
(methyl ester) for diesel engines. With increasing population, the need of
edible oil is increasing and at the same time energy needed for ignition engines
is also increasing. During 1960s the production of edible oil was sufficient for
Pakistan’s population but now it is importing edible oil. The one single step
solution to this problem is to increase the production of vegetable oil producing
seeds. Pakistan is an agriculture country with 70% of its population working in
farm fields so therefore no problem in case of human resource. The production
of biodiesel is simple and easy technology. Best strategy is to use all unutilized
free land for the production of energy crops. Biodiesel production is a focused
research area of some countries like Germany, USA, etc. Presently biodiesel
seems to be highly costly as compared to petro die sel; however, there will be
no other solution when petro diesel runs out.
(Writer is a PhD Scholar at Quide-i-Azam University Islamabad ,Pakistan)

Plight of Endangered SNOW LEOPARD

By Ejaz Ur-Rehman
ejaz@pressforpeace.org.uk

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 (A pair of Snow Leopards)

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 “It was the shortest seven minutes of my life” Aishwarya Maheshwari, a researcher with WWF India (a wildlife protection group) said after making the first confirmed
sighting of a snow leopard (Panthera unica) in Kashmir in over 10 years. The region has seen a decade of political conflict and fighting between India and Pakistan
(Saving Snow leapord,2009)

Habitat

The snow leopard Uncia uncia (P.uncia) is an endangered species of cat that lives in the mountains of Central Asia(Snow leopard trust,2009).The Snow Leopard is the
primary predator in high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir.(Kashmir hub ,2009) and Muzaffarabad district in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan districts in the
Northern Areas (http://www.animalinfo.org). Seen along the snow line, the Snow Leopard is not easily noticed because of its effective camouflage. The Snow
Leopard's fur is a thick silvery gray which helps it conceal itself along the snowline and the rocks of the mountains, which are its natural habitat .(Kashmir hub ,2009).
Snow leopards typically inhabit rugged terrain such as steep slopes with bluffs, ridges broken by outcrops, and valleys inter rupted by cli ffs, with arid and semi -arid
shrubland, grassland, or steppe vegetation. It is generally found at elevations between 3000 - 4500 m (9800 - 14,800'), although it occasionally goes above 5500 m
(18,000') in the Himalaya in the summer, and at the northern limits of its range it can be found between 600 - 1500 m (2000 - 4900') (http://www.animalinfo.org).

The black rosettes and spots help the Snow Leopard blend into areas of sunlight and shadow and hide more effectively while stalking its prey.(Kashmir hub ,2009).

Population
Researchers estimate that there are between 3,500 and 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild. The wide range of this estimate is due to the difficulty in gathering
data because of the mountainous terrain in which the Snow Leopard lives(Kashmir hub ,2009).

Threats to Snow Leopards

"Yet the snow leopard faces pressures that are bringing this species closer to extinction and populations of the cat are in
decline in many parts of its range."(WWF-Pak, 2006).

Reduction of natural prey due to competition with livestock

As a growing human population pushes further into remote areas, their livestock herds often overgraze wild grasslands, leav ing less food for the wild sheep and goats
that are the snow leopard's primary prey. As wild sheep and goat populations decl ine, snow leopards go hungry

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 (Domestic animals grazing, Photo source wwwdelivery.superstock.com)

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 Killing of snow leopards in retribution for livestock depredation

When their wild prey is scarce, snow leopards sometimes turn to domestic livestock for food. Herders, who lead a precarious economic existence with most of their
family wealth bound up in their herds, may kill snow leopards in retaliation(Snow leopard trust,2009, (http://www.animalinfo.org).

War and related military activities

Some of best snow leopard habitat lies within the disputed area Jammu and Kashmir. Militarization of this region over the past several decades put snow leopards in
danger and make scientific studies and conservation programs impossible to carry out (Snow leopard trust,2009, http://www.animalinfo.org).
Poaching
Snow leopards are hunted illegally for their pelts, which are sought after especially in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia for coats and other garments.

(Snow leopard skin Hand bag, Photo source :http://www.fluffygear.com)

Snow leopard bones and other body parts are also in demand for use in traditional Asian medicine.

Sometimes captured from the wild for private animal collections in Central Asia.

Many of the poachers are local people from snow leopard areas, who often live on just a few dollars a day. For them, poaching may be a lucrative source of

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 Lack of awareness, policy, and implementation

Effective conservation programs depend on the support of local people in snow leopard areas, but many herders are struggling to provide for their families and have
little extra time and energy to devote to protecting other species.

Similarly, many snow leopard range country governments are focused on economic development and providing basic services to their ci tizens, and it is difficult for
them to make environmental protection a policy priority.

Political instability, the lack of money t o enforce laws and protected area boundaries, and the difficulty of catching poachers in the snow leopard's remote and rugged
habitat all make effective protection for the cat more difficult to secure (Snow leopard trust,2009).

Lack of effective protection

Most protected areas are too small to protect the home range of even a single snow leopard, and many countries cannot afford to pay rangers living wages (Snow
leopard trust,2009).

There are many ways you can help save these a mazing cats. One of the best ways is just by raising awareness about the plight of the snow
leopards.

Conservation efforts
There are numerous agencies working to conserve the snow leopard and its threatened mountain ecosystems. These include the Snow Leopard Trust , the Snow
Leopard Conservancy and the Snow Leopard Network. These groups and numerous national governments from the snow leopard's rang e, non-profits and donors from
around the world recently worked together at the 10th International Snow Leopard Conference in Beijing. Their focus on resear ch, community programs in snow
leopard regions and education programs are aimed at understanding the cat's needs as we ll as the needs of the villagers and herder communities impacting snow
leopards' lives and habitat.

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 For further information visit:

www.snowleopard.org

References:

· Kashmir hub.(2009).Snow leopard in Kashmir, http://www.kashmirhub.com/wildlife-of-kashmir/snow-leopard.html

· Snow leopard Trust (2009).Snow Leopard Conservation in India, Snow leopard trust, India, http://www.snowleopard.org/programs/countries/india.
· Saving Snow leapord.(2009). First snow leopard sighting in Kashmir in 10 years, Saving Snow leapord, Conservation Project in the Zoo and in the Wild ,
http://snowleopardblog.com.
· WWW-Pak.(2006).WWF radio collars elusive snow leopard in Pakistan,www.panda.org

(Writer is an Ecologist and Director Press for Peace UK)

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