EvK2CNR Pakistan

11/12/2025

International Mountains Day 2025
“Glaciers matter for water, food, and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.”

The mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan are home to some of the world’s most important glaciers. These mountains not only protect the region but also help create new ice, acting like natural hatcheries. They are the main source of water for Pakistan and play a vital role in supporting food production and the livelihoods of local communities and the entire country.

To protect these glaciers for future generations, we need stronger studies and research to understand the challenges they face and how to keep them safe.

The Glacier Inventory of Pakistan, documenting 13,032 glaciers, created by EvK2CNR and UNDP with support from the Government of Italy, is a valuable contribution. We extend our sincere thanks to the Italian Govt as well as Govt of Pakistan for continuous support for climate action and sustainable development in Pakistan.


Karakoram International University
University Of Baltistan Skardu

10/12/2025

EvK2CNR organized a two-day training workshop for Government of Gilgit-Baltistan officials in Islamabad on December 8–9, 2025. The workshop covered a range of key areas, including the economic significance of mountains and the importance of sustainably tapping mountain resources, monitoring and evaluation, agriculture and food security, climate-smart agricultural practices, and integrated water resource management.

The training program was designed on the basis of a previously conducted Training Needs Assessment (TNA), which identified these priority areas.

This activity was carried out under the Water for Development Project, funded by the Government of Italy, executed by UNDP, and implemented by EvK2CNR.


AICS Islamabad
Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency
Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Planning & Development Department GB
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan

28/11/2025

EvK2CNR held a two-day Professional Guides Training on November 27–28, 2025, in collaboration with KIU and the Department of Tourism GB. A total of 40 participants from all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan participated in the program. The sessions were facilitated by faculty members from the KIU Management Sciences Department, industry experts, and representatives from the Department of Tourism.

The closing ceremony was attended by Professor Dr. Ata Ullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of KIU, Mr. Zameer Abbas, Secretary Tourism GB, Mr. Riaz ul Hassan, Resident Representative of EvK2CNR Pakistan, government officials, KIU faculty, and other guests.

The training program was organized under the “Water for Development” project, implemented by EvK2CNR, executed by UNDP, and funded by the Italian Government through AICS Islamabad.

AICS Islamabad
KIU TV
Karakoram International University
Gilgit Baltistan Tourism Department

06/11/2025

EvK2CNR, under Water for Development Project, organized a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on water quality in Gilgit-Baltistan in collaboration with the Karakoram International University (KIU). The meeting was held at the Department of Biological Sciences, KIU, and brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA), Department of Health GB, Department of Agriculture, Water Management and Irrigation Department, WWF, WASH Unit–LG&RD, PCRWR, MARC researchers, KIU faculty, and EvK2CNR.

The participants collectively agreed on the need for more harmonized and synergized efforts to ensure the provision of safe and clean water for both drinking and irrigation purposes across the region. It was decided that a working group will be established to develop an action plan as a roadmap for future interventions. The forum will also serve as a platform for providing policy guidance to the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.


Karakoram International University
KIU TV
AICS Islamabad
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Ev-K2-CNR
Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives
Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan

23/10/2025

The University of Baltistan and EvK2CNR signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, livestock, and ecotourism under the Water for Development project. This collaboration aims to improve the livelihoods of local communities by promoting sustainable practices and working closely with relevant government departments.


University Of Baltistan Skardu

22/10/2025

Ecotourism Conference by EvK2CNR

22/10/2025

A meeting was held between Mr. Agostino Da Polenza, leading the EvK2CNR team, and Ms. Nadia Rehman, Member for Climate Change and Food Security, Planning Commission of Pakistan to discuss the organization's ongoing and upcoming interventions in Pakistan.

21/10/2025

Ecotourism Conference in Skardu
EvK2CNR, in collaboration with the University of Baltistan (UOBS), as well as Parks and Wildlife Department GB, organized a conference on Ecotourism in Skardu on October 17, 2025, under the Water for Development project (funded by the Italian Govt., implemented by EvK2CNR & executed by UNDP).

Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister Planning & Development GB, graced the event as Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of responsible tourism to protect GB’s fragile ecosystem.

VC UOBS Dr. Abdul Mateen, UNDP’s Faheem Ahmed, Director CKNP Abid Ali, Director EPA GB Khadim Hussain, Deputy Director Tourism Baltistan Mr. Rahat Karim Baig, and other key stakeholders including ACP, AKRSP, GBRSP, DNP, students, and faculty participated actively.

Insightful discussions, presentations, and a strong call for youth engagement made the event impactful.

The conference held under the Project W4D funded by the Italian Government through AICS Islamabad executed by UNDP Pakistan and implemented by Ev-K2-CNR

Thanks to all participants for making it a success!


Karakoram International University
University Of Baltistan Skardu
Gilgit Baltistan Tourism Department
Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme - AKRSP Pakistan
Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme
Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency
Forest's, Parks, Wildlife and Environment Department Gilgit Baltistan

20/10/2025

A two-day workshop on ecotourism concluded at Baltistan University Skardu that was organized by EvK2CNR in collaboration with the UOB. Professor Dr. Ata Ullah Shah, Vice Chancellor KIU, Prof Dr. Abdul Mateen, Vice Chancellor UOB, Mr. Riaz ul Hassan, Resident Representative EvK2CNR Pakistan, Mr. Faheem Ahmad Technical Specialist UNDP, Raja Abid Ali Director CKNP, Mr. Rahat Karim Baig DD, Department of Tourism Baltistan, faculty and students of UOB and KIU, institutional representatives participated in the workhop. The purpose was to highlight and discuss the vital role of youth in promoting and practicing sustainable ecotourism.
The workshop was held under the project Water for Development funded by the Italian Government through AICS Islamabad.


University Of Baltistan Skardu
KIU TV
Karakoram International University
Central Karakuram National Park - CKNP

16/10/2025

“Ambassador of Pakistan Achievement Award” to Mr. Maurizio Gallo of EvK2CNR at Pakistan Embassy Rome. A recognition of the services of EvK2CNR, Mr. Agostino Da Polenza (who has recieved Tamgha e Pakistan) and now Mr. Maurizio Gallo. Deeply indebted to the government of Pakistan and the Embassy of Pakistan in Italy.

16/10/2025

We are happy to share great news! 🎉
The head of activities in , Maurizio Gallo, was awarded yesterday the “Ambassador of Pakistan Achievement Award” by the Pakistani ambassador in Rome, HE Ali Javed and by Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah
This important recognition celebrates over 25 years of Maurizio’s and EvK2CNR's commitment to environmental protection, protected area management, and professional training in Pakistan.
Among the impactful projects are: the creation of the Central Karakorum National Park, the “Keep Karakorum Clean” and “Keep K2 Clean” initiatives, and the recent two-year course for professional alpine guides. A continuous effort to preserve natural heritage and strengthen local capacities.
A huge thank you to Maurizio for his dedication and vital contribution! 💚🌎
Also sincere thankfulness to the Government of Pakistan the Embassy of Pakistan in Rome for recognizing the services of EvK2CNR and its dedicated team serving in Pakistan for last three decades.


Karakoram International University
University Of Baltistan Skardu
Office of the Chief Secretary, Gilgit Baltistan
UNDP Pakistan
International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations UIAGM IVBV
Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan
AICS Islamabad
Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives
Pakistan Embassy Italy
Information Department Gilgit-Baltistan
Central Karakuram National Park - CKNP

16/10/2025