Gilgit, October 20, 2023. A four-day training program on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was concluded today at the ECO TECT Oasis Center, Chilmish Gilgit. The training was organized by the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest Department in collaboration with Karakoram international university. A total of 15 participants comprising the young officers of the Gilgit-Baltistan Forest and Wildlife Department and students of the Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management of the Karakoram International University (KIU) attended the training. Dr. Abdul Mannan of KIU, Mr Noor ud din and Mr. Farman Ali of the GB Forest Department delivered the training as resource persons.

The concluding ceremony was chaired by Mr. Zafar Waqar Taj, Secretary Forests, Wildlife and Environment, Government of GB. He appreciated the organizers and resource person for planning and delivering such a useful training and assured all possible support from GB Government to organize such trainings in future.  He also emphasized to utilize the training skills for forest management in the area and reiterated to advance professional skills through refresher courses. Dr. Zakir Hussain Chief Conservator of Forest and Wildlife Department elaborated the needs of organizing a training on GIS.  Dr. Zafar Khan, Chair of the Department of Forestry, Range and Wildlife Management, KIU applauded the efforts of GB Forest Department for initiating field-based trainings for forest officers and engaging the university students in such trainings. He also thanked GB Forest Department in engaging the Forestry Department of KIU in capacity building initiatives and providing a chance to the students of the department to improve their technical and professional skills.

At the end certificates were distributed among the participants.