Motivation Letter

Being a resident of the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, I am highly motivated to apply for Applying Design Thinking to advance SDGs in South Asia on the following grounds:

 

• Because of its unique geography, Pakistan in general and Gigit-Baltistan, in particular, is highly vulnerable to climate change. The region is home to the world’s largest system of glaciers outside the polar region. The area is mostly covered by high rugged snow-capped mountains of Karakoram, Hindukush, Himalayas, and Pamirs. These mountains are a key source of water to the plains of the country. Due to the rapid rise in temperatures the glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate in recent years. Flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, landslides, water scarcity, land degradation, road blockades, accessibility issues, deforestation, unplanned urbanization, land usage, and rapid influx of tourists have put the lives of local communities in deep concern. In such worst situations, the local communities suffer great losses. These problems are linked directly/indirectly to climate change. The involvement of local communities in combating climate change is inevitable. They are an important part of the process. On the other hand, they need to be educated on dealing with these climate change born issues.

     

• Gilgit-Baltistan is home to one of unique fauna including Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Marco Polo Sheep, Markhor, Blue Sheep, Lynx, Himalayan Brown Bear, Eagles, Wolf, Fox and many more. Many of these were considered endangered or on the edge of extinction a few decades ago. However, community involvement in national parks and conservation areas has significantly increased the number of these wildlife. Also, a project (trophy hunting) launched by the government with the help of INGOs and the local community have decreased illegal hunting in the area. Some other parts of the region still have past practice. The researchers have noticed that the population of Himalayan ibex, markhors, and their predator snow leopard has been considerably increased in recent years. These efforts clearly show the impact of organizing, educating, and involvement of local communities at the decision-making level. These best practices can be replicated in other areas of the province.

  

• Waste Management is one of the burning issue of Gilgit-Baltistan. I have mentioned above that the influx of tourists in the area and increase in population in major towns have put the environment at stake. The environmental protection agency is nowhere. The district-level government agencies have formed waste management authorities, however, due to lack of technology and modern best practices they fire the waste in open grounds which releases toxic gases into the air which is more harmful than the waste itself. It must be on the top priority list of the provincial government to reduce air pollution by installing a proper recycling machine on each dumping site. This can be achieved through public and health policy, which is lacking.  

 

• The sustainable development goals can only be met by the participation of the local people and their grassroots level organizations i.e. Civil Society Organizations.

 

• I feel lucky to apply for this prestigious program which will surely enable me to think and rethink the topics mentioned in your course. These topics are very important to me and my area. I will transfer knowledge, skills, and best practices to my people and communities around me so that they can be the best catalyst for future SDGs programs.

 

Ahmed Nayyar

Hunza, Pakistan