DRAFT RESOLUTION ADAPTED BY WATERFOWL SPORT HUNTERS MEET

1. Acknowledging that waterfowl are one of the most prestigious sources of sport hunting in Pakistan.
   
   
2. Being cognizant of the fact that they breed in the wetlands of Siberia and Central Asian states and migrate to Pakistan’s wetlands for wintering.
   
   
3. Realizing that due to their migration across the international borders these birds are not owned by the hunters and therefore suffer the most from the tragedy of commons.
   
   
4. Taking stock of the reports of rampant killing of waterfowl in Pakistan during migration and on wintering grounds.
   
   
5. Taking cognizance of reports from hunters about the steep decline in the population of migratory waterfowl in wintering habitats.
   
   
6. Being aware of decreasing hunting success and hunter’s satisfaction.
   
   
7. Knowing that number of birds visiting wintering grounds is directly proportional to the number of birds reaching the breeding grounds for breeding purposes.
   
   
8. Being cognizant of the fact that many species of waterfowl are now threatened. Some have become highly endangered and have consequently been included in the list of “Protected Animals”.
   
   
9. Realizing also that apart from unsustainable hunting the survival of waterfowl is also threatened due to degradation of wetlands on various accounts including pollution, decreasing water levels, over-exploitation of wetlands resources and encroachments.
   
   
10. Admitting that it is our joint responsibility to maintain the biological diversity of waterfowl and wetlands and to ensure sustainable hunting.
    
    
11. Noting further the interest of international community in conservation of waterfowl and wetlands as expressed through international conventions and agreements and that it is obligatory upon Pakistan to implement these conventions.

          Now therefore we resolve with consensus to;-

i. Support, adapt and abide by principals of sustainable waterfowl hunting in Pakistan.

ii. Develop and promote a positive image of waterfowl hunters and sustainable hunting.

iii. Educate the people about the threats to waterfowl during migration and promote awareness for their conservation.

iv. Create a sense of belongingness amongst the people for waterfowl migrating transfrontiers and visiting our wetlands year after year.

v. Contribute towards maintenance of healthy wetlands and restoration of deteriorating waterfowl habitats.

vi. Help develop a code of ethics for sustainable use of waterfowl and lobby for its adaptation and adherence by fellow waterfowl hunters.

vii. Assist and contribute towards raising of funds to support wetland conservation and sustainable use. Initiatives of wetlands resources.

viii. Support wetlands and waterfowl research programmes including reporting on species sighted, species shot and returning the bird rings recovered during hunting.

ix. Provide support to Pakistan wetlands programme (PWP) and Provincial Governments in developing an enabling wetland policy.

x. Where possible provide technical and financial support in the management of wetlands and enforcement of waterfowl hunting laws.

xi. Support efforts to organize the waterfowl sport hunters in the form of a responsible and proactive hunter conservationist umbrella organization with regional chapters to promote wetlands conservation and sustainable waterfowl sport hunting.

   nimalik@wwf.org.pk  

   Wetlands are not Wastelands; Please Conserve them
   Nasir Iqbal Malik
   Coordinator, Awareness Raising and Communication
   The Ministry of Environment's Pakistan Wetlands Programme (WWF Pakistan)
   House #3, Street # 4, F-7/3 Islamabad, Pakistan
   Tel: +92-51-261-0880-5  Cell: +92-301-553-6468