PESHAWAR
\nFood and Agriculture Organizations (FOA) and KP Tourism Department here Monday observed a clean river Indus drive to mark World Food Day.
\nFAO of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism and Culture Authority (KPCTA), organized a cleanliness drive to clean a section of the River Indus bank near Kund Park in Swabi district.
\nThe initiative was held to celebrate World Food Day under this year\u2019s global theme, \u201cWater is Life, Water is Food. Leave no one Behind,\u201d and aimed to underscore the critical importance of clean water for agriculture, food production and the overall well-being of the targeted communities.
\nMinister of Information Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel, who participated as the chief guest inaugurated the cleanliness drive.
\nStaff from different UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and government officials from the relevant line departments, along with more than 300 male and female students and teachers from various universities participated in the event.
\nThe participants diligently collected debris items, including wasted bottles, plastic shoppers, compost, and litter from the riverbank and safely disposed off them.
\nInterestingly this year\u2019s global WFD theme aligns amicably with the \u201cLiving Indus Initiative\u201d a collaborative venture between the Government of Pakistan and UN agencies dedicated to enhancing and restoring the ecological health of the Indus River Basin, especially in the face of pressing climate challenges.
\nFAO Pakistan has recently launched the \u201cClean River Indus\u201d campaign in Pakistan to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Indus River with a focus on reducing water wastage and improving water quality, as these are pivotal factors for optimizing food production.
\nSpeaking on the occasion, the Minister of Information and Tourism Barrister Syed Feroze Jamal Shah Kakahel highlighted the importance of water, stating that the Indus River is the lifeline for our country\u2019s economy and the foundation for our food systems.
\nAs we celebrate World Food Day, let us always remember that \u2018Water is life and water is food. Leave no one behind. We must join hands not only to safeguard this precious resource but also to ensure that no one is left either hungry or thirsty. By wisely managing water, we can nourish our communities and protect our planet for future generations, he added.
\nHe also highlighted the tourism potential of KP and appreciated the efforts of KPCTA for promoting tourism and projecting a soft image of the province.
\nThe provincial government is working on a multi-pronged strategy to invite investment in the tourism sector and facilitate tourists.
\nHead of FAO UN, Florence Rol, shed light on various climatic changes and said that the rapid melting of glaciers has endangered species living on planet Earth.
\nShe said that climate change is a challenge that can be combated by our collective efforts. We must work in liaison to protect and preserve flora and fauna whose survival is dependent on our rivers.
\nShe said these beauties of nature can be preserved for the coming generation through result-oriented planning and our dedication.
\nFarrukh Toirov, FAO\u2019s Head of Office in KP, added that water is the heart of our agriculture and key for food security. We must work together to ensure that responsible and efficient water management contributes to and nourishes every meal.
\nThrough the Living Indus Initiative and our commitment to wisely utilize water for planting seeds of sustainable agriculture, nurturing resilience in the face of growing climate challenges, and thus ensuring access for everyone to balanced and nutritious food.
\nA series of events were also organized in various districts of KP at the village and community levels to raise awareness among the common masses about the vital role of water for our existence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR Food and Agriculture Organizations (FOA) and KP Tourism Department here Monday observed a clean river Indus drive to mark World Food Day. FAO of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism and Culture Authority (KPCTA), organized a cleanliness drive to clean a section of the River Indus bank near Kund Park […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-360681","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n