BWCDO
Founded in 1999 by Dr. Shafqat Hussain and registered under its current name in 2007, BWCDO utilizes a community-based management approach to conduct snow leopard (Panthera uncia) research and improve local benefits of conserving the species, which is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
CEO
While working for Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Dr. Shafqat Hussain realized that predation was an issue for agro-pastoralists in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The loss of just one livestock animal can be economically devastating for rural farmers, and despite the national law against harming snow leopards, farmers often retaliated. Dr. Hussain founded Project Snow Leopard in 1999 (later registered as BWCDO in 2007) to work with local communities to find a way to compensate them for their livestock loss, while also removing the incentive to retaliate against the snow leopard. This award-winning NGO was the first organization to implement livestock insurance schemes to protect the snow leopard in Pakistan.
General Manager
While working for Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Dr. Shafqat Hussain realized that predation was an issue for agro-pastoralists in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The loss of just one livestock animal can be economically devastating for rural farmers, and despite the national law against harming snow leopards, farmers often retaliated. Dr. Hussain founded Project Snow Leopard in 1999 (later registered as BWCDO in 2007) to work with local communities to find a way to compensate them for their livestock loss, while also removing the incentive to retaliate against the snow leopard. This award-winning NGO was the first organization to implement livestock insurance schemes to protect the snow leopard in Pakistan.
