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Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Country Representative, was amongst the panelist in this event. Other speakers included: Mr. Shafqat Kakakhail, Mr. Ayub Qutab, Syed Nasir Mahmood and Mr. Tahir Rashid. The other experts hailed from highly reputable organizations like Pakistan Institute of Development Economics  (PIDE), The Centre of Excellence for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor��(�䷡-��ʷ���); (GCSIC); LEAD-Pakistan; , WWF-Pakistan, Oxfam, Qaid-e-Azam University; The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS); and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

The speakers and the panelists spoke on the significance of wetlands in the lives of people and specifically the role of wetlands for a sustainable urban future in the face of the fast expanding cities in the world. In his remarks Mr. Cheema said that there is also an urgent need to adopt policies and effectively implement action plans which can help in conserving urban wetlands.  He also highlighted the role of ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan in helping the government in formulating the National Wetlands Policy and Action Plan in 2011. ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� has also played an active role in designation of 8 new Ramsar sites in Pakistan as well as guidelines for the artificial releases from reservoirs to maintain downstream wetland ecosystem and dependent livelihoods. In 1997, it conducted the environmental assessment of the Haleji Lake.

He noted that the Climate Change has impacted our wetlands thus there is reduction in migratory birds as they do not find friendly habitats. He said that flood management can play a very effective role in revitalizing these neglected wetlands. He stressed on exploring the possibilities of funding from the private sector. Keeping in view the impact of Climate Change on wetlands the resources can also be mobilized through Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the management of the wetlands and protection of the livelihoods of the people living in the spheres of these wetlands.

Presently, and in the recent past ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan has completed various projects with different donors and private sector partners for plantation and restoration of mangroves in the vicinity of Karachi city. This mangroves forest is a great source of oxygen for the millions of inhabitants of Karachi city that needs to be preserved and protected at any cost.