IUST joining IUCN global project on assessment of butterflies

SRINAGAR — The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora will be part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) global project on reassessment of World Swallowtail Butterflies.

A statement issued by the varsity said the project is being undertaken by the Butterfly Specialist Group of IUCN.

Among others things the focus of the project will be on distribution, population status, ecology and habitat, threats and conservation interventions of these magnificent species.

Established in 1948, the IUCN is world’s largest and most diverse environmental network which works for human progress, economic development and nature conservation at global level.

“The mission of IUCN is to Influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable,” the statement said.

From IUST, Dr Aijaz Ahmad Qureshi, Research Officer, Mantaqi Centre for Science and Society is coordinating with the IUCN.

“The project will be an important platform for documentation, conservation and monitoring of the butterfly biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir on long term basis,” the statement said.

It said the project will facilitate IUST to be part of activities in framing policies, methods and necessary interventions for conservation and management processes of butterflies at global level.

The university fraternity particularly Vice Chancellor Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqi has congratulated Dr Aijaz for the achievement.