International Council for Conservation of Game and Wildlife (CIC) has awarded the prestigious Opinion Award to Pakistani researcher Bilal Mustafa as first Pakistani to be honored for high academic research in the conservation field. The award is for his excellent research on wildlife conservation and sustainable management.
Bilal Mustafa was the recipient of the award for his continued efforts in research on how trophy hunting affects mountain carnivores, ungulates and local communities in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. His research was chosen from submissions from all over the world, demonstrating its international relevance in the context of biodiversity conservation.
Now in his PhD at Tarleton State University in Texas, under academic co-supervision from the University of Oxford, Mustafa is interested in the trade-offs between conservation outcomes for wildlife and community livelihoods in remote mountain areas. He research is intended to contribute to conservation policies based on evidence and also to sustainable wildlife management.
Mustafa, who received the award, said it was not only a milestone in his academic career but Pakistan’s contribution to the world of wildlife conservation research was also on the rise. He said that the recognition would motivate young Pakistani researchers to work on biodiversity and environmental protection related research.
The International Council for Conservation of Game and Wildlife (CIC) is the oldest and most respected wildlife conservation organization in Europe, awarding scientists and conservationists for their insights into the sustainable management of wildlife and natural ecosystems.
The award coincides with Pakistan growing international accolades for its conservation efforts, including its work to safeguard some of the world endangered species and protect mountain ecosystems throughout the country.
