The Dawood Foundation (TDF) announced the launch of
the TDF Nature Series, a set of documentaries aimed to raise public awareness
about Pakistan’s degrading natural habitat and the urgent steps needed to
sustain it for generations to come. The first two films are about two
spectacular National Parks, Margalla Hills and Chitral Gol, and the
conservation issues related to them. Using multiple elements including BTL and
digital, TDF aims to spread the nature conservation message to millions of
people in Pakistan and across the world.
These scenic films have been produced by Walkabout
Films and are also part of the Give Back Project.
As per UNDP data1, Pakistan is one of the
countries most vulnerable to climate change. Due to environmental degradation,
it increasingly suffers from natural disasters, floods and other catastrophic
consequences that lead to loss of incomes, homes and livelihoods. Pakistan has
been beset with natural disasters in recent years, which are caused by global
climactic changes as well as poor environmental conservation at home, as
exemplified by one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world.
Estimates about Pakistan’s forest cover vary between 2 and 5% against a
recommended rate of 20%. These films aim
to help mitigate these issues.
Hussain Dawood, Chairman The Dawood Foundation
formally launched the TDF Nature Series Campaign. Also present at the event
were the Foundation’s trustees, Kulsum Dawood, Shahzada Dawood and Samad
Dawood.
While talking about the films, Sabrina Dawood, CEO,
The Dawood Foundation, said, “The Nature Series aims to advocate and educate
the people about the natural resources, sanctuaries and heritage that exist in
our country and challenges faced by both humans and wildlife. There is an
urgent need to address the environmental issues and the consequences of the
degradation of environment.”
Nisar Malik, CEO, Walkabout Films, said, “Wildlife is
an indicator of the health of our planet. Without a healthy planet there can be
no future for humans. It is to the infinite credit of The Dawood Foundation
that they have the farsightedness and maturity to recognize this. It is through
their generosity and support that The Give Back Project can continue to
generate the awareness and education needed to help conserve Pakistan’s
remarkable natural places.”
The films will be shown by TDF to people across
Pakistan through a 100 day tour of 117 villages and cities on a mobile cinema.
Documentary screenings will be supplemented by educational sessions that will
help local communities understand and resolve their environmental problems. The country-wide screening tour, which looks to
engage local communities, is to be supported by screening sessions at various
educational institutes affiliated with Give Back Project, a joint venture
between TDF and Walkabout. The films,
which have been translated into Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi and other local
languages, will also be available free online.
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