ISLAMABAD: The 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival to celebrate International Mountain Day commenced with a cleanup drive at Margalla Hills Trail-5 on Sunday.

Over 100 students from various universities joined hands to raise awareness about the preservation of mountain ecosystems and the significance of natural resource conservation. The festival is organised annually by Devcom-Pakistan.

The day observed on December 11 was established by the United Nations to highlight the critical importance of mountain ecosystems in supporting life on Earth. Mountains cover 22 per cent of the planet`s land surface and provide vital resources, including freshwater, for half of humanity. The day also serves to draw attention to the challenges facing mountain regions, including climate change, habitat loss and the struggles of mountain communities.

Addressing the participants, Devcom Executive Director Munir Ahmed emphasised the critical role of mountain ecosystems in sustain-ing biodiversity, regulating climate, andprovidingessentialserviceslike clean water and air purification.

`Mountains are life-support systems for millions of people globally.

Protecting these ecosystems is not just a local responsibility but a global imperative,` he said.

Mr Ahmed also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Mountain Festival in raising awareness about these issues overthe past14 years.

`Citizens can proactively play their role as the custodians of mountains. Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) with the support of citizens has played its significant role in keeping the Margalla Hills National Park.

Through diverse activities such as cleanups, exhibitions, cultural performances, conferences and youth forums, we`ve worked to mainstream mountain challenges and bring them to the forefront of national discourse.

Rina Saeed Khan, IWMB Chairperson, reinforced the importance of the Margalla Hills National Park for Islamabad`s rapidly growing population.

`These hills are essential not justfor their biodiversity but for the ecological services they provide, such as water retention, flood prevention, and temperature regulation.

Protecting them is imperative for the city`s well-being,` she stated.

The cleanup drive also served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address threats to the Margalla Hills, including littering, encroachments, and unsustainable development. By actively participating, students and youth showcased their commitment to conserving these vital ecosystems and pledged to inspire others to do the same.

Speaking about the other activities, Riffat Ara Baig said: `The Pakistan Mountain Festival will continue with a series of activities, including cultural performances, live painting, and exhibitions, promoting awareness about mountain ecosystems and the challenges faced by mountain communities.

Major activities include Raja Changez Sultan Himalayan Odyssey Award exhibition, 10th Pakistan Youth Forum, 5th Pakistan Mountains Pride Awards and a students` live painting competition on the theme of mountain heritage.